FIFA World Cup: Where to Relax after the Matches

It’s the world’s largest sporting event, it only happens once every four years, and it’s coming to Mexico next month.

We’re talking, of course, about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which arrives in Mexico in June to be hosted by three major cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. (The U.S. and Canada are the event’s other host countries this year).

It can be said that “fan” is short for “fanatic.” Billions of football (soccer) fans around the world will be rabidly following 48 teams that qualified to compete in the World Cup from June 11 – July 19. These teams hail from around the globe, from Argentina to Uzbekistan. Mexico has qualified and will face off against South Africa in a First Stage – Group A match in Mexico City Stadium on June 11.  

According to a Mexico News Daily report, “Mexico alone is expecting an estimated 5.5 million tourists above average because of the World Cup…and nearly US $3.2 billion in additional revenue. As a result of this influx of tourists and the money it represents, competition is as likely to be as fierce off the pitch as it is on.”

Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, has stressed connectivity as one of the destination’s chief selling points, noting that Los Cabos has direct flights to all the host cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico — except Miami and Philadelphia.

“Furthermore,” he said, “Los Cabos’ business model is more focused on quality tourists coming to the World Cup who are looking for a…luxurious destination with distinctive natural beauty. They will prefer Los Cabos.” 

Esponda noted that over the past decade, Los Cabos has established itself as Mexico’s luxury leader, with average daily hotel room rates of US $440, the highest in the country. Those prices may put off budget-minded World Cup tourists, but Esponda is banking on the fact that the destination’s commitment to quality will appeal to more upscale travelers.

Los Cabos is also maximizing its well-established connections to Los Angeles, a World Cup host city that will host eight games (only Dallas, with nine, will host more). The Tourism Board maintains an office in L.A. and is setting up “first stop–second stop” itineraries based on its strong relationships there. 

Esponda expects hotel occupancy in Los Cabos to increase from 70% to 75% during the World Cup months of June and July. Meeting or surpassing the latter percentage qualifies as success. “The goal is essentially to turn two low-season months into what feels a bit more like high-season ones,” he said.

Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Los Cabos, as well as the new Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende, are perfectly positioned to offer a soft landing for football fans following the games. Each is an ideal “second-stop” destination where enthusiasts can unwind after the excitement of seeing their national teams compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

In addition to Pueblo Bonito Blanco and Rose, a pair of all-inclusive resorts in Cabo San Lucas on Medano Beach, the 1,850-acre resort community at Quivira Los Cabos offers several options. There’s Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, a family-friendly property that crowns a coastal bluff; Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, an adults-only getaway with a splendid beachfront setting; and Pueblo Bonito Montecristo Estates, which offers multi-bedroom, Tuscan-themed luxury villas. Resort guests enjoy exclusive access to Quivira Golf Club, a world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature design that scales the heights at Land’s End. 

Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende, a 3.5-hour drive west of Mexico City, will attract sophisticated travelers who can base themselves at a hacienda-style hotel with a New Age spa, a rooftop terrace with an exquisite skyline view, and superb dining at LaFrida and other restaurants. The European Plan (EP) property also offers a menu of experiences, from guided walking tours of the magical colonial city to hot air ballooning over San Miguel’s gilded domes and tall spires.

Either way, beach or city, Pueblo Bonito is well-prepared to offer a warm welcome to World Cup fans. Book your stay today!