Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky announced on May 27 a new exhibition in Mexico City celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026, created in partnership with the local Host Committee and Mexico City’s Tourism Promotion Fund. The initiative is part of Airbnb’s Host City Impact Program, which aims to support economic growth, community engagement, and cultural enrichment.
The exhibition, titled “Collective Memory of the FIFA World Cup – Mexico 70, Mexico 71 and Mexico 86: The City That Never Stopped Playing,” opens to the public on May 30 at the Inter-American Conference on Social Security complex in Magdalena Contreras. Admission is free through July 26. The exhibit features nearly 600 objects contributed by residents as well as institutional collections and artworks from invited artists. It honors three past tournaments hosted by Mexico and includes a tribute to the women who represented the Mexican national team in the final of the often-overlooked 1971 Women’s World Cup.
“The World Cup is one of the rare moments when the whole world feels connected. That belief in bringing people together is at the heart of Airbnb. This partnership celebrates Mexico’s football legacy, while also bringing together local communities around a shared passion for the World Cup and its history,” said Brian Chesky.
Alejandra Frausto Guerrero, Tourism Minister for Mexico City, said, “This exhibition is also a tribute to the community spirit of Mexico City: to the families who preserved their World Cup memories for decades, to the neighbors who turned football into a shared celebration in the streets, and to generations that have made this city the emotional capital of football.” Michel Bauer, Host City CEO for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico City, added, “Mexico holds a unique place in the history of FIFA World Cups… This community-powered exhibition honors that legacy by connecting past and present.”
The venue was also where Pelé stayed during Brazil’s victorious run at México ’70; visitors can tour Room One where he slept before winning against Italy. Fans may book an Airbnb-guided tour with an exhibition curator or participate in other special experiences curated for this year’s tournament.
As part of these experiences, Mexican football legend Hugo Sánchez will host up to ten guests on June 4 for an insider day exploring key locations tied to his career—including Pumas UNAM’s training facility—culminating with tickets to watch a match at Estadio Azteca. “With the World Cup around the corner, I’m excited to be an Airbnb host once again offering an experience for fans who live football with passion… For me, football is about sharing, connecting, and creating memories that last forever with our community,” said Sánchez.
Airbnb enables hosts worldwide—including those across more than 220 countries—to share homes or offer guided activities such as cooking classes or tours; it originated from renting air mattresses out of necessity but now connects millions globally through unique accommodations and travel experiences, according to the official website.
