Mexico
The spiritual home of the World Cup - first to host three times, and the opener at the Azteca
History
Heir to the great Mesoamerican civilisations - the Maya, the Aztec and more - Mexico's roots run thousands of years deep. After three centuries of Spanish rule it won independence in 1821, and its revolution, food, art and music have since shaped a culture loved the world over.
No country has loved the World Cup quite like Mexico, the first nation to host it twice - in 1970 and 1986. In 2026 it becomes the first to host three times, and the legendary Estadio Azteca opens the whole tournament.
Landmarks
Ancient wonders and modern colour
Chichén Itzá
YucatánThe Maya pyramid of Kukulcán - a New Wonder of the World.
Teotihuacán
near Mexico CityThe vast ancient city of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Estadio Azteca
Mexico CityFootball's great cathedral - and the stadium that opens 2026.
Casa Azul
Mexico CityFrida Kahlo's cobalt-blue home, now her museum.
Riviera Maya
Quintana RooCaribbean beaches, cenotes and Cancún on the Yucatán coast.
El Arco
Cabo San LucasThe natural rock arch where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez.
Language
Spanish is the de facto national language, making Mexico the largest Spanish-speaking country on earth, with more than 120 million speakers. It's also home to 68 recognised Indigenous languages, including Náhuatl - the tongue of the Aztecs - and Maya, still spoken across the south.
Famous Faces
Art, screen and the ring
Frida Kahlo
ArtistThe world's most recognised painter of the self-portrait.
Hugo Sánchez
FootballerMexico's greatest player - a Real Madrid goal machine.
Guillermo del Toro
FilmmakerOscar-winning director of The Shape of Water and Pan's Labyrinth.
Salma Hayek
ActorFrom Veracruz to Hollywood stardom and an Oscar nomination.
Canelo Álvarez
Boxing championThe undisputed super-middleweight king from Guadalajara.
Diego Rivera
MuralistThe giant of Mexican muralism - and Frida Kahlo's husband.