Infantino launches Boots for All in Mexico as FMF names facility after FIFA president

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched the organisation’s Boots for All programme in Mexico and attended the reopening of Mexico City Stadium as FIFA steps up its on-the-ground engagement with one of the three co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup.The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) used Infantino’s visit to its High Performance Centre (CAR) to unveil renovated facilities and named the main building after him, a symbolic move that underlined the close working relationship between FIFA and local organisers with the tournament 15 months away.Infantino said FIFA wants to position the tournament as a unifying global event, adding: “What we need to try and do all together is turn this event, this (FIFA) World Cup… into the (FIFA) World Cup of unity – to bring the world together and unite it.” He added: “We know that Mexico is the country of joy, happiness, passion and heart.”Boots for All was launched during the CAR visit, with FIFA saying it has purchased 20,000 pairs of FIFA-branded boots in nine sizes for distribution to disadvantaged children, initially targeting girls and boys who would not otherwise be able to afford them.Infantino said the FMF’s decision to name the building after him was secondary to participation outcomes. “The most important thing is that we continue to inspire young children and create opportunities for them to play our game,” he said, adding he was “delighted to also distribute boots” through the initiative.FIFA said Infantino was accompanied by Concacaf president Vittorio Montagliani and met FMF president Ivar Sisniega, FMF commissioner Mikel Arriola and Liga MX club presidents, signalling a broader stakeholder push that blends tournament operations with development and legacy messaging.The Mexico trip also centred on infrastructure readiness, with Infantino attending the official reopening of Mexico City Stadium following modernisation works ahead of World Cup 2026, where the venue is scheduled to stage five matches including the opening game on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa.“It was a pleasure to be at the Mexico City Stadium, a true cathedral of football, as it reopens following its modernisation,” Infantino said. “Most special of all was sharing this moment with the passionate fans in Mexico City.”FIFA said the renovation package included upgraded fan facilities and technology, including LED screens, solar panels, Wi-Fi connectivity, a hybrid playing surface, relocated dressing rooms and new seating, while retaining the stadium’s original silhouette.Alongside the operational messaging, Infantino also visited the Yancuic Museum in Mexico City and met members of the Pioneras de 71, the Mexican women’s team linked to the 1971 women’s tournament in the capital, as FIFA and local organisers position the World Cup build-up as a wider cultural and community platform.