Heavy rains affect the region, another challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

▲ Flooding around the Azteca Stadium, which will host the opening match of the World Cup on June 11, 2026. Photo by Luis Castillo

Karla Torrijos

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, August 14, 2025, p. a11

Just under a year before the 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium, heavy rains in recent days have brought several key locations in Mexico City to a standstill, including the capital's airport and the Historic Center, as well as several main avenues and thoroughfares, including Viaducto, Tlalpan, and Reforma. Social media users have questioned the tournament's viability in the nation's capital.

With messages accompanied by photos and videos of flooding at Mexico City International Airport (AICM), Metro stations, the Zócalo square, the Churubusco River Canal overpasses, and the Circuito Interior, among other sites, as well as various memes, the capital's population has expressed its concern on social media regarding the possibility of such events occurring during the World Cup.

“I remind you that the World Cup is during the rainy season,” posted an X user along with a photo of a flood in an area of the AICM.

“Considering the amount of rain in Mexico City over the past few days, it doesn't seem like a good idea to hold a World Cup here,” another internet user stated after the torrential downpours last Sunday, the heaviest to hit Mexico City since 1952, and Monday, which caused the suspension of operations at the AICM, resulting in the cancellation of dozens of flights and affecting thousands of passengers.

In addition, recent thunderstorms have caused the interruption and even cancellation of some Liga MX games, held in stadiums in the capital, as well as those of the Diablos Rojos del México, in the Mexican Baseball League (LMB).

Although the next World Cup will be held in June and July of next year, it is worth noting that, according to data from the capital's government, Mexico City experienced rainfall far exceeding anything recorded in the past five decades in June 2025.

Likewise, the National Meteorological Service reported that rainfall last June exceeded the national historical average by 51 percent.

Intense downpours are now being added to extreme heat waves, especially in the United States, both considered consequences of climate change, which are also expected ahead of next year's World Cup.

At the last Club World Cup, held in the United States from June 14 to July 13 of this year, attendees—including players, coaching staff, stadium personnel, and the general public—were affected by the stifling heat and thunderstorms that occurred in some regions of the country.

Scientists from various nations warned that holding a World Cup or other soccer tournaments in the northern hemisphere during the summer will be increasingly dangerous for both players and spectators. Some even suggested that FIFA should change its schedule to reduce health risks.

The president of the world's governing body for soccer, Gianni Infantino, spoke about the issue on July 12, stating that, to avoid such disruptions, several matches of the 2026 World Cup will be held in indoor stadiums. However, in Mexico, the challenge will not only be preventing these meteorological phenomena from affecting fans, but also ensuring that roads and public transportation services do not collapse and leave stranded the 5.5 million fans who, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism, are expected to arrive in the country to attend the next World Cup.

Europa Press

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, August 14, 2025, p. a11

London. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the tournament's need to play matches abroad to increase its global appeal has "dissipated" since the idea of playing a match abroad was first mooted in 2008.

Given the possibility of the Spanish league and Italian Serie A playing one match in the United States and another in Australia, respectively, the executive expressed opposition to this stance for the English tournament.

“The fact that (the proposals described above) are being implemented hasn't changed our view on matches abroad,” Masters told Sky Sports News. “We already considered playing Matchday 39, amid much controversy. Our goal when we thought about it was to help grow the league around the world.”

The CEO noted that "billions of people tune in to the Premier League," so they have "achieved that goal through other means, and the need to play matches abroad has dissipated."

Villarreal and Barcelona want to play their scheduled matchday 17 LaLiga match in Miami. The Royal Spanish Football Federation has given its approval, but they will also need the green light from UEFA, CONCACAF, and, finally, FIFA.

Meanwhile, AC Milan and Como's plan to play a Serie A match in Australia in February has been approved by the Italian football federation, but is still being reviewed by Football Australia.

Meanwhile, the Premier League's top official called for patience while the legal case involving Manchester City drags on for another season.

The club was accused by the English Premier League in February 2023 of committing more than 100 financial violations, including providing misleading information about its sources of income. An independent commission heard arguments in the case between September and December of last year, but no verdict has been reached.

The sanction could reach expulsion from the top flight. City has always denied the charges.

The issue looms over the start of another Premier League campaign, as the 2025-26 season begins tomorrow. But Masters reiterated that the league has no control or say over the timing to make a verdict.

▲ Toluca remains undefeated in the Liga MX Femenil after beating Guadalajara 2-1 in a match played at Nemesio Diez Stadium, thanks to goals from Amandine Henry (right) and Eugenie Le Sommer (45). In another match, León defeated Bravas de Juárez 3-2. Photo @TolucaFemenil

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, August 14, 2025, p. a11