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Monterrey's World Cup Snub: Governor Demands Friendly Match
14 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Mexico's national team will not play in Monterrey during the 2026 World Cup.
- Governor Samuel García believes the decision is economically motivated.
- García is seeking a friendly match in Monterrey as compensation.
The governor of Nuevo León, Samuel García, has voiced strong dissatisfaction following the 2026 World Cup draw, which confirmed that the Mexican national team will not play any matches in the host city of Monterrey. While Monterrey's Estadio BBVA will host four games, the national team, known as El Tri, is scheduled to play in Mexico City and Guadalajara instead.
García questioned the reasoning behind this decision, suggesting it may be economically driven due to the larger capacity of the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. He expressed skepticism about the official explanation of differing weather conditions between Monterrey and Jalisco, calling the arguments unconvincing. Despite this, he acknowledged the dynamics of FIFA and the Mexican soccer federation.
Seeking to appease fans in Nuevo León, Governor García has requested that the Mexican Football Federation compensate the region. He is aiming to secure a high-profile friendly match for Monterrey before the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of making fans feel valued, even though the draw itself cannot be altered.
