During a handover ceremony in Qatar on Sunday, Mexico, the United States, and Canada formally took over the responsibility for organising the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Sheikha Alya Al Thani, the ambassador of Qatar to the UN, organised the diplomatic event.
It took place before Argentina's victory over France in the World Cup championship game.
Alfonso Zegbe, Coordinator of the Mexican Government Strategy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented Mexico.
Linda Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, represented the country.
Moreover, the Transport Minister of Canada, Omar Alghabra, was there.
In the Qatari desert with camels and rocks in the background, three mariachi hats are painted with the national colours of the three 2026 host nations.
The most crucial lesson to learn from the World Cup, according to Sheikha Alya, is that it "transcends everything and it plays an outstanding role in unifying people and countries and forging enduring connections," she stated to the audience during the event.
The Mexican government acknowledged the strategic value of hosting the 2026 World Cup, noting that it would strengthen Mexico's status as a "geopolitical global actor" and one of the most sought-after vacation destinations worldwide.
The 2026 World Cup presents a chance "to promote a fresh and reinforced image" of Mexico, according to the statement.
The first World Cup to be held in three nations will be in North America in 2026.
Also for the first time, there will be a change in the number of competing teams.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, it will rise from 32 to 48 as a result of shifting geopolitical circumstances that call for a wider involvement of the international community.
Eleven US locations, three in Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey), and two in Canada will host the competition.
The games will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey in Mexico.
Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, a New Jersey suburb of New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle will be the host cities in the United States.
Toronto and Vancouver will both hold events in Canada.
Azteca Stadium will host three World Cup opening ceremonies, making Mexico the only nation in history to have hosted three World Cups (1968, 1986, and 2026).