In a move towards modernization and boosting community sports, Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada, inaugurated five new football pitches in the Iztapalapa borough. This initiative is part of the capital’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
New Sports Infrastructure for the Community
The newly inaugurated pitches are strategically distributed across Iztapalapa: four at the Deportivo Magdalena Mixihuca, two at Parque Alegría, two in San Lucas Xochimanca, and five in Santa María Aztahuacán. These facilities are part of a broader project to rehabilitate or construct 316 pitches, with 200 expected to be ready for community use within the next two months.
Brugada emphasized that Mexico City will not merely be a host city for the sporting event but a protagonist, bringing football directly to neighborhoods and communities. “We are fulfilling all the commitments we made so that this year, in May, before the World Cup, we can improve the city. And pay attention to what I’m going to say, all the works we are doing for the World Cup are works that will not last only for the World Cup, they are permanent works, they are works that will serve the people,” Brugada stated.
The Head of Government also highlighted the social aspect of these developments, noting that the World Cup experience in Mexico City will be lived “in the streets, in the neighborhoods, and on the local pitches.” This approach aims to reclaim public spaces and ensure that outdoor sports are accessible to all as a fundamental right.
Introducing “Xoli”: Mexico City’s 24/7 Chatbot
In parallel with the sports infrastructure development, the capital has launched “Xoli,” its official chatbot, available in both Spanish and English. This 24/7 digital assistant is designed to provide comprehensive support to both visitors and residents.
Users can access “Xoli” via WhatsApp at 55 6565 9395 or by visiting the official website mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx and typing “hola” to initiate a conversation. The chatbot is expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience by offering immediate information and assistance.
Alejandra Frausto, the Secretary of Tourism, underscored the city’s vast offerings, including 60,000 restaurants, 329 public markets, and approximately 3,000 daily activities. She noted that “Xoli” will make these attractions more accessible through technology. “Now we are used to chatting all day, and well, that hospitality that characterizes us as ‘chilangas’ and ‘chilangos’ has reached technology,” Frausto commented, emphasizing the integration of traditional hospitality with modern digital solutions.
Integrated Approach for an Enhanced World Cup Experience
Through these combined actions, Mexico City aims to blend sports, culture, and technology to deliver a holistic experience for both its residents and international visitors during the lead-up to and throughout the 2026 World Cup. The initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup extend beyond the event itself, leaving a lasting legacy for the city and its inhabitants.
The integration of new sports facilities with advanced digital tools like “Xoli” positions Mexico City as a forward-thinking host, ready to welcome the world with open arms and state-of-the-art resources.
Source: https://noticias.imer.mx/blog/con-chatbot-y-canchas-avanza-cdmx-rumbo-al-mundial/
