Monterrey, possible headquarters for a playoff game in the face of the 2026 World Cup
Governor Samuel Garcia announced that the BBVA Stadium would host a fifth match, although FIFA has not made an official announcement.
The 2026 World Cup could leave Monterrey with more soccer than expected. The governor of Nuevo Leon, Samuel Garcia, confirmed that the city will host a qualifying playoff match, which would add a fifth game to the already confirmed schedule for the BBVA Stadium.
"Today we woke up with good news: Nuevo Leon will host another World Cup playoff match. Five official matches in the best venue. Get new, get world-class!" (sic), wrote the president on his X account.
From three group matches to a World Cup playoff
Until now, the capital of Monterrey had three group stage matches and one round of 32 matches assigned:
With the possible playoff, Monterrey would receive one more commitment before the official start of the tournament, scheduled for March 2026 according to the general calendar, although the exact date is still pending.
The playoff format
FIFA contemplates that six teams compete in this preliminary phase: the seventh place of Conmebol, a team from Asia, one from Africa and two representatives from Concacaf, benefiting from the increase in quotas to 48 teams.