We’re just one year away from welcoming the world to Toronto for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and what better way to celebrate than by exploring the two things that unite us all: sports and food.
Over the next 12 months, we’re kicking off a journey through the cultures and cuisines of the nations that will light up our city next August.
We begin with one of our co-hosts and culinary powerhouses — Mexico! 
The first stop on our global tasting tour to World Cup 2026!
From sizzling tacos al pastor to rich mole and refreshing aguas frescas, Mexican cuisine is as vibrant and passionate as its football.
Culture That Dances with Flavour
Mexico is a country of tradition, colour, and spirit—a place where culture and cuisine are deeply intertwined and celebrated with pride. Rooted in ancient Indigenous civilizations like the Maya and Aztec and blended with Spanish influence, Mexico offers a living mosaic of history, music, dance, art, and storytelling.
From the lively rhythms of mariachi to the soulful reverence of Día de los Muertos, Mexican identity is a celebration of heart and heritage.
At the centre of it all is its world-famous cuisine. Mexican food is more than nourishment—it’s ritual, memory, and connection. Staples like corn, beans, and chilies form the soul of countless dishes—from humble street food to intricate, regional feasts.
The two Mexican cities hosting World Cup 2026 matches are Mexico City and Guadalajara — both culinary powerhouses with distinct regional flavors.
Here are the top 5 must-try dishes from each:
Mexico City – Bold, Street-Savvy Flavours
- Tacos al Pastor – Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, sliced into tortillas, topped with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
- Tlacoyos – Thick oval-shaped masa cakes stuffed with beans, cheese, or fava beans, then griddled and topped with nopales and salsa.
- Tamal and Atole Combo – A classic breakfast pairing of steamed corn dough tamales and a warm, thick, spiced corn drink.
- Churros & Hot Chocolate – Crispy, cinnamon-dusted churros with rich, drinkable Mexican chocolate.
- Chapulines – Crunchy grasshoppers seasoned with lime and chili, often eaten as a snack or taco topping.
Guadalajara – Deep Tradition, Big Flavour
- Birria – Spicy, slow-cooked goat or beef stew served with consommé for dipping, now famous worldwide in taco form.
- Torta Ahogada – A crusty birote sandwich stuffed with pork, “drowned” in a fiery tomato-chili sauce.
- Pozole Rojo – Hearty hominy soup with pork, garnished with shredded cabbage, radish, lime, and tostadas.
- Jericalla – A Guadalajara-origin dessert similar to flan, made with milk, egg, and sugar, but lightly burnt on top.
- Tejuino – A refreshing fermented corn drink sweetened with piloncillo and lime, often served with a scoop of lime sorbet.
Mexican cuisine is bold, soulful, and made to be shared—just like the spirit of the World Cup. Whether around the dinner table or from a busy street cart, it connects people with warmth and generosity.
As we countdown to World Cup 2026, there’s no better place to start than Mexico — a nation where food is culture, and culture is a feast for the senses. 
