As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, all eyes are turning to host cities across North America to see if critical infrastructure projects will be finished on time. One of the most high-stakes projects currently underway is the major renovation initiative at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport, a key gateway that will handle millions of visiting fans, players, and media personnel when the tournament kicks off in less than three years.
The British Broadcasting Corporation has launched a detailed examination of this ongoing upgrade work, which centers on expanding the airport’s overall passenger capacity to accommodate the unprecedented surge in air travel expected during the global sporting event. Benito Juárez already serves as Mexico’s busiest air hub, handling tens of millions of passengers annually, even before accounting for the extra traffic the 2026 World Cup will bring. The renovations are designed to upgrade terminal facilities, streamline processing lines, and boost the airport’s maximum throughput to prevent widespread travel disruptions that could overshadow the tournament.
The question on many industry analysts and soccer fans’ minds remains whether construction crews can meet the tight deadline set before the first match of the 2026 World Cup. Infrastructure delays have plagued major global events in the past, making this ongoing project a critical test of Mexico’s ability to deliver on its tournament commitments. The BBC’s in-depth review comes amid growing public interest in the progress of all host nation infrastructure, as stakeholders work to ensure the 2026 World Cup – the first co-hosted by three North American nations, and the largest edition in tournament history – runs smoothly from start to finish.