The CAR, the new home of El Tri to dream big
History is clear: the best versions of the Mexican National Team in World Cups emerged when it was host. In 1970 and 1986, we reached the quarterfinals. Now, with 2026 just around the corner and being the venue alongside the US and Canada, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) is not taking half measures.
They have just reopened the High Performance Center (CAR) after a brutal investment: 400 million pesos (about 22 million dollars). It is not a simple facelift. It is a declaration of intent.
“This investment reflects our responsibility for the 2026 World Cup. We have built a facility that will provide the national team with the best possible conditions,” said Mikel Arriola, president of the FMF.
From a small gym to a football citadel
The most dramatic change is indoors. They demolished the old gym and built a new one that went from 1,200 to 6,000 square meters. Everything fits in there: complete medical area, new locker rooms, offices for the coaching staff and even spaces dedicated to sports intelligence and physical recovery.
“Everything here now, except for two machines in the gym, is new,” explained Daniel García, real estate manager of the project.
But it is not only for the stars of the first team. They expanded the main accommodation from 20 to 45 rooms and added a block with 29 more rooms for the youth teams. The dining room can now serve 210 people simultaneously. The idea is clear: build from below.
“This project is also intended as a legacy,” added Arriola. “It’s not just about 2026, it’s about building a base.”
And outside, on the courts, there is also a level. One of them has the same state-of-the-art hybrid technology that was installed in the Azteca Stadium. It attracted so much attention that even staff from the Santa Úrsula colossus went to ask for advice.
“We are colleagues and brothers,” García commented on that exchange.
Now it is up to ‘Vasco’ Javier Aguirre, who as a player lived through those quarters of ’86, to lead from this new strength. Training with local players starts on May 6. The first test will be on June 11, in the opening match of the World Cup against South Africa.
The infrastructure is ready. The message is sent. The ball will soon roll.
