Mexico's Iñigo Riestra: "We want to be among the best associations"

In 2026 the footballing world will come to Mexico. Facilitating such an enormous project requires meticulous planning, faultless teamwork and clear objectives. Iñigo Riestra, Mexico Football Federation's (FMF) Secretary General, is one of the key figures part of this ongoing process.  In his wide-ranging interview, Riestra elaborates on his career path, the responsibilities of a secretary general of a football association and enhancing the footballing experience in an already football-loving nation. Riestra ends on the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first competition of its kind to feature 48 teams, and where he hopes Mexico can leave a blueprint for the world. This interview was conducted during the FIFA Training Centre's visit to the FMF in March 2022.

The core initiatives of Riestra's role include:

• Bringing Mexico among the top associations in the world, in all departments;

• Setting a new blueprint for future FIFA World Cups as host of 2026 edition; and

• Growing the women's game.

Part 1: Career path and current role
Riestra begins by outlining how he made the transition from the world of corporate law to football administration. Next, he sets out the main responsibilities associated with his role as Secretary General, the overall objectives that guide the FMF's day-to-day work, and how that work is organised with a view to making it one of the world's most effective football associations. Finally, he explains the distinct functions of the FMF's two main facilities, at Toluca and Cuernavaca (the latter facility is known as the Centro Alto Rendimiento (the High Performance Centre)).

Part 2: FIFA World Cup 2026
The second part of the interview focused on preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026, which will see Mexico hosting the tournament for the third time. Riestra explains the work that is already underway across the country, discusses the impact he expects the tournament to have on the country, and gives an indication of the expectations that will face the Mexican side when they take to the pitch on home soil in three years' time.