Lorena Ochoa will be the ambassador for Guadalajara’s 2026 World Cup venue.
Guadalajara (Mexico), Oct 13 (EFE)
Mexican golfer Lorena Ochoa, former LPGA No. 1, was named this Monday as the ambassador for Guadalajara at the 2026 World Championships to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After receiving a replica of the Trionda, the tournament’s official ball, Ochoa said she was proud to represent Mexico once again and to support the city where she was born and raised as an athlete.
“What I’ve enjoyed most in my career is representing Mexico internationally, being able to achieve my dream of being the best in the world, and returning to my city with all the love and affection. I’m here to benefit from a healthy lifestyle, learn about the importance of sport, and learn about the beauty of soccer,” she said at a press conference.
Ochoa, with 27 wins on the LPGA Tour, stated that collaborating in the promotion of the World Championships is a recognition of her career and the love she feels for her hometown.
“We all know how important football is and how the World Cup moves us. I’m happy to represent you as an ambassador. Let them know that I feel extremely proud,” she stated.
Mikel Arreola, commissioner of the Mexican Football Federation and vice president of the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee, thanked Ochoa for her support of football.
“Lorena is an asset to our country, and having her lead the way as an ambassador for the World Cup is an honor. Thank you for supporting football. I know you’ve done so for a long time, but today, at the World Cup, it’s a great occasion,” he stated.
During the press conference, Juan José Frangie, head of the organizing committee for the Guadalajara 2026 World Cup venue, announced that the renovations to the city’s historic center will allow for up to 70,000 people to be accommodated in the Fan Zone.
This area, located in the heart of the historic center, will welcome fans who want to be part of the World Cup celebration and don’t have tickets to all four matches at the Guadalajara Stadium or want to watch matches from other venues on a giant screen.
Guadalajara will host four knockout matches in Groups A, K, and H, including one for the Mexican national team on June 18.
