The Shadow of the 2026 World Cup: Resistance in Santa Ursula

• Residents of the native town of Santa Ursula in Mexico City are struggling with water scarcity, real estate speculation, and restricted mobility due to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• The community has faced deteriorating living conditions since the construction of the Estadio Azteca in 1962, a situation exacerbated by the tournament's arrival.

Water Scarcity and Privatization

• The stadium holds a concession to extract local groundwater, supplying potable water to its 1,300 restrooms, even as communal wells for residents have seen a sharp decline in capacity.
• Martha Trujillo, a social geography researcher at UNAM, warns that state-owned water sources are being privatized, effectively stripping citizens of their access to water.
• Despite concerns over ground subsidence, private companies continue to secure permits for new wells, often leading to contamination issues.

Real Estate Pressure and Gentrification

• The expectation surrounding the World Cup has triggered a surge in housing costs, with rents for nearby apartments jumping from 7,000–8,000 pesos to as much as 25,000 pesos in one year.
• Residents fear that rising costs and property speculation will lead to the displacement of the native population.

Mobility Restrictions and Exclusion

• Local residents face strict mobility controls during match days, requiring prior registration just to access their homes, while areas around the stadium are reserved for attendees.
• Community members view these measures as the privatization of public space and the marginalization of local populations.
• Residents emphasize that beautification campaigns—such as painting bridges—fail to address the fundamental lack of basic infrastructure, including sewage and water access, for those living in the shadow of the stadium.