2026 FIFA World Cup projects face criticism over rushed construction risks

Urban planners and mobility experts have criticised the rushed development of major infrastructure projects linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Concerns centre on poor planning, tight deadlines, and the risk of substandard results if work continues at its current pace.

The Tlalpan Elevated Park and Tlalpan bike lane have become focal points of the debate, with specialists warning that hasty construction could lead to safety hazards and unfinished work. Experts argue that the projects lack proper long-term scheduling. Bernardo Baranda, from ITDP, stated that work should have begun earlier with a clear plan. He also highlighted the need for better communication about timelines and alternative routes, especially given challenges like heavy rains and flooding.

Erik Carranza, an architecture specialist, praised the Tlalpan bike lane as a positive step for mobility. However, he questioned the necessity of the Tlalpan Elevated Park, calling its rushed completion unjustified. If opened in its current state, he warned, the park would offer only a superficial solution without addressing real connectivity or mobility issues.

Jorge Feregrino, a mobility specialist, echoed these concerns, stressing that working under pressure would be a mistake. The elevated park, a complex second-story structure, requires careful engineering to prevent risks such as beam collapses. Delaying critical decisions until the last minute, experts agree, increases the chance of poor-quality outcomes and potential dangers for the public. The warnings from specialists suggest that without better planning, the projects may fail to meet safety and quality standards. If construction continues at its current pace, the risk of unfinished work, structural flaws, and public safety issues remains high. Authorities now face pressure to adjust timelines and improve coordination before the 2026 deadline.