Tourism Students Excel at the World Cup

By Rocío Castañeda | Photography: Javier González — September 7, 2026

At the invitation of Mexico City’s Secretariat of Tourism, bilingual Polytechnic students served as official hosts, earning recognition that has already opened doors for future international events.

As part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in Mexico, 60 students from the School of Tourism (Escuela Superior de Turismo, EST) delivered an outstanding performance as official hosts at Campo Marte—the event’s designated media hub for national and international press—and across the "Final Mile" fan zone surrounding Banorte Stadium.

Following an invitation from the Mexico City Secretariat of Tourism seeking students with strong English proficiency, the EST’s Foreign Language Center (CELEX) issued a competitive call for applications. Candidates who demonstrated solid language skills underwent an intensive one-week training program in specialized tourism English to further refine their communication capabilities.

The Secretariat assigned 20 students to Campo Marte and 40 to the Final Mile corridor. In coordination with local authorities, the students also received comprehensive training in public safety and civil protection to respond effectively to potential emergencies.

"The call was open to the entire student body. The Tourism program is multidisciplinary and encompasses diverse profiles; all our students are fully prepared to deliver exceptional work, as demonstrated during the World Cup," stated Acting Associate Director of Academic Affairs Ruth Vázquez Lima, noting that participants represented all academic semesters across both on-campus and hybrid learning formats.

In an interview, Vázquez Lima emphasized that the EST and the Secretariat of Tourism provided continuous supervision and support throughout the tournament.

"We are deeply grateful for their confidence in the Instituto Politécnico Nacional and the School of Tourism," she noted. "We remain eager to expand professional partnerships that allow our students to apply classroom learning and strengthen their practical expertise in real-world environments."

Alejandro Espinoza García, Head of the Professional Training Department, highlighted that the students exceeded expectations for both the institution and government officials, adding that the IPN was the sole educational institution selected to operate at Campo Marte and the Final Mile zone.

"This event served as a major springboard for our school. We are already receiving requests for our bilingual students to participate in upcoming high-profile events," Espinoza García revealed.

Representing the student cohort, Ammi Canales Espinosa shared that serving as cultural ambassadors while guiding international visitors was an unforgettable experience. She noted that the role enabled students to hone their English skills, overcome communication barriers, and participate in a historic national milestone.

Cristian Axel Martínez Jurado, a sixth-semester student, described participating in the World Cup as a pivotal personal and professional opportunity. "I want to express my gratitude to the institution for granting us this opportunity, as well as to my peers, who gave their absolute best to ensure everything ran seamlessly," he concluded.