Mexico invites Korean football fans to Monterrey for World Cup match in June

Maricarmen Martínez, minister of tourism of Nuevo León, gives a presentation about the Mexican state at a promotional event held at Lotte Hotel Seoul in central Seoul, April 10. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park

Maricarmen Martinez, minister of tourism for the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, visited Korea to promote her state and invite Korean football fans to travel to northern Mexico this summer. Her visit comes as Monterrey, the state capital, prepares to host a group-stage match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, where the South Korean national team will play its third and final Group A fixture.

A monitor displays a girl playing football during a promotional event at Lotte Hotel Seoul in central Seoul, April 10. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park

Speaking at a tourism promotion event held at Lotte Hotel Seoul earlier this month, Martinez highlighted Monterrey’s accessibility and safety. She noted that the city is served by more than 61 international routes and welcomes approximately 15 million travelers each year.

The event was organized by the Mexican Embassy in Korea to promote tourism in Nuevo Leon, one of the host states for the World Cup in North America.

“Monterrey, one of the host cities of the World Cup, is among the safest cities in Mexico,” the tourism minister said.

“We are working closely with FIFA to ensure the safety of fans and officials, and we are committed to maintaining high standards of security across all facilities.”

Maricarmen Martínez, minister of tourism of Nuevo León, speaks during a presentation about the Mexican state at a promotional event held at Lotte Hotel Seoul in central Seoul, April 10. Yonhap

She also pointed to the strong presence of Korean businesses in Monterrey, including affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group and Kia Motors. Martinez added that a large number of Korean fans are expected to attend Korea’s match against South Africa, with special cultural events, such as K-pop performances and Korean food festivals, being planned to welcome them.

Adrian Garcia, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Mexico in Korea, reiterated the Mexican government’s commitment to safety during the summer football game event.

“The Mexican government is coordinating closely with multiple agencies to ensure security. We will use all available public resources to protect fans visiting Mexico,” he said. "Nuevo Leon is widely regarded as a dynamic center of northern Mexico, combining industrial strength with diverse tourism offerings."

Beyond Monterrey’s urban appeal, he explained that the Mexican region features adventure and eco-tourism destinations, rich culinary traditions and the picturesque “Pueblos Mágicos,” designated towns known for their cultural and historical significance.

Adrian Garcia, deputy head of mission of the Embassy of Mexico in Korea, speaks during a presentation about the Mexican state of Nuevo León at a promotional event held at Lotte Hotel Seoul in central Seoul, April 10. Courtesy of Embassy of Mexico in Korea

According to Garcia, bilateral trade between Korea and Mexico reached about $30 billion in 2025, making Korea Mexico’s fifth-largest trading partner as well as a key priority in the tourism sector as well. A direct flight route operated by Aeromexico between Nuevo Leon and Korea further underscores the growing connection between the two nations.

"What is even more exciting is that Monterrey has been selected as a host city for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, and will stage at least one match involving the Korean national team. The government of Nuevo Leon is fully prepared to welcome Korean tourists and football fans in a festive and safe atmosphere," Garcia said.

During the tournament, Korea’s national team will play all of its group-stage matches in Mexico, facing the Czech Republic, Mexico and South Africa. The first and second matches will take place in Guadalajara on June 11 and 18, while the third will be held in Monterrey on June 24.