Mérida, the vibrant capital of Mexico’s Yucatán state, is staking its claim as one of the most compelling destinations for international visitors heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026. With its strategic location, exceptional connectivity, rich cultural offerings and world-class gastronomy, Mérida’s tourism leadership is pitching the city as an ideal 2- to 4-day complement to the excitement of the tournament.
Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara will host World Cup matches this summer, making Mérida’s location on the Yucatán Peninsula an excellent option for fans seeking authentic local experiences at just around 2 hours away by plane from these cities.
“What we are presenting are cultural offerings with the communities, with community tourism,” said Armando Casares, Secretary of Tourism of Mérida, during an interview at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, Spain. “We have 10 different programs in which the aim is for travelers to have experiences with people who work in the traditional kitchens, the people working wood, carving wood or sculpting stone, the artisans.”
Casares noted that what makes Mérida especially attractive for World Cup visitors is its connectivity. With direct flights from major U.S. and Canadian gateways including Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, and Toronto — alongside European connections via Cancún — Mérida is easy to reach for global travelers.
Mérida’s food culture is a cornerstone of its tourism pitch. The city was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2019, reflecting its unique blend of Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences that make Yucatecan cuisine unlike any other in Mexico. “Tourists today want more than just sightseeing — they want to connect with the people who make our traditional foods, work the wood or carve stone, and share stories about their culture,” Casares told Breaking Travel News. “Our community tourism programs are designed to foster that connection.”
Shortly before the World Cup kicks off on June 11, Casares emphasized that Mérida will host the second annual Mayan World Tourism Fair taking place from June 2 to 5, 2026. “It’s our commitment so buyers can see all the cultural offerings of Mayan culture,” he says.
Mérida’s rich cultural fabric spans centuries and is visible everywhere from the historic city center to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which offers immersive insight into the region’s indigenous heritage. Daily cultural events, many of them free, give visitors constant opportunities to engage with local arts and traditions — an allure Casares calls a defining feature of Mérida’s charm: “Above all, we’re a richly cultural city; we’re a very safe city – the top or second safest city in Mexico”.