Arrival in the World Cup City
After two flights totalling 19 hours, touching down in the mythical Ciudad de Mexico feels like landing on another planet. The air is different, the energy is palpable, and the countdown to the World Cup is written on every corner. On June 11, the 23rd edition of the World Cup begins here, and this sprawling metropolis is ready to welcome the world.
For a football fan arriving from Romania, the first impression is overwhelming. Mexico City is a city of extremes, where ancient history collides with modern ambition, and where football is not merely a sport but a religion practised by millions. The streets leading from the airport are already decorated with World Cup banners, and the sound of vuvuzelas mixed with mariachi music creates a soundscape unlike any other.
The Cost of a Dream
One of the most surprising discoveries for any visitor is just how far your money can go in Mexico City. With the Romanian leu stretching further than expected, the affordability of the city comes as a welcome relief for fans who have saved for months to make the trip. Street food, public transport, and even matchday merchandise offer remarkable value compared to European prices.
A question that many Romanian fans ask before travelling is what exactly can one do with a modest budget in a World Cup host city. The answer, as it turns out, is quite a lot. From the bustling markets of La Merced to the floating gardens of Xochimilco, Mexico City offers an infinite variety of experiences that do not require a VIP budget.
Football Everywhere You Look
The World Cup presence is impossible to miss. Stadiums are being prepared, fan zones are being constructed, and the local population is brimming with excitement. Mexico, a nation that has hosted the World Cup twice before, knows how to put on a show. The experience of walking through the streets on matchday is something every football fan should witness at least once in their lifetime.
The Estadio Azteca, venue for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, looms large over the city landscape. Walking through its gates is a pilgrimage for any football enthusiast. The stadium has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in World Cup history, from the 1970 final between Brazil and Italy to Maradona Hand of God goal in 1986.
A New Perspective on the Tournament
Being on the ground in a host city changes the way you experience a World Cup. The television broadcast captures only a fraction of the atmosphere. Here, the tournament is a 24-hour festival. Breakfast conversations turn to tactical analysis. Taxi drivers offer their predictions. Street vendors sell jerseys of every nation, and the blend of languages on the metro is a testament to the global nature of the event.
For the Romanian traveller, the experience is about more than just the matches. It is about understanding how football can unite people across languages, cultures, and borders. In a world that often feels divided, the World Cup transforms Mexico City into a temporary utopia where the only thing that matters is the beautiful game.
Advice for Travelling Fans
For those considering a trip to the 2026 World Cup, the message from those already on the ground is simple: come. The organisation is impressive, the hospitality is genuine, and the football promises to be unforgettable. Book accommodation early, learn a few phrases of Spanish, and prepare for an experience that will stay with you long after the final whistle blows.
