January 7 – Mexico will host the 2016 FIFA Congress in a year which is increasingly becoming of huge importance for the country and its regional confederation CONCACAF.
The regional governing body wants to see one of its federations (most likely the US) host the 2026 World Cup, and feels that on the previously operating principle of rotation between confederations for the award of World Cup hosting, it should have had 2022. The US was its contender in the bid but lost out to Qatar.
Now the confederation is united in making sure it doesn’t miss out on 2026.
Mexico is a giant of world football and probably one of the world’s most often ‘overlooked’ federations in terms of its contribution to the world game having twice hosted the World Cup in 1970 and in 1986 when it stepped in to replace Colombia.
The country has consistently and successfully participated in FIFA World Cup tournaments at all age group levels, as well as the senior tournament, and is current Olympic Champion (the only gold medal Mexico won at the 2012 games). It’s women’s teams is similarly now carving out a niche for the country at the top of the world game.
“For México it is very important, because media wise we will be able to show our best image, not only in organising and hosting 209 Associations, but it will also give us the opportunity to show our great hotels and venues,” said Mexican federation president Justino Compeán.
The FIFA Congress will open May 12 at the National Auditorium with the Congress itself being held at the nearby Banamex Conventión Center the following day – both are in Mexico City. A Medical Congress will also be hosted prior to the main gathering, May 10-11.
Mexico is home to one of the world’s most iconic stadiums in the Azteca, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016 when it will unveil a remodeling.
The Mexican federation will also be inaugurating its state of the art new headquarters prior to the Congress at a new site in Toluca – Toluca is 40 minutes away from downtown México City downtown and 10 minutes from Toluca Airport which is Mexico City’s alternative airport.
2016 will for the first time see South American confederation Conmebol have its premier tournament, the Copa America, hosted outside its region in the US. The centenary edition of the championship will also feature six teams from CONCACAF.
“CONCACAF hosting the Copa Centenario is a great achievement as it is an official FIFA tournament and will host the best players from Conmebol and CONCACAF,” said Compeán.
14 countries put in submissions to host the 2016 FIFA Congress.
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