Mexico City's Xoli Chatbot Set to Assist World Cup Visitors

Introducing Xoli: Your Guide to Mexico City

The Government of Mexico City has unveiled an innovative tool designed to assist the millions of tourists expected to flock to the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Known as Xoli, this chatbot is now available on WhatsApp in both English and Spanish, offering real-time information about services, cultural events, and tourist attractions.

This initiative aims to cater to the influx of visitors during one of the world's most significant sporting events. However, city officials have assured that Xoli will continue to function even after the World Cup, serving as a valuable resource to enhance economic activities and streamline access to public services in the capital.

During a press conference, Clara Brugada, the head of the Mexico City government, emphasized the chatbot’s role as a vital link between culture, tourism, recreation, and entertainment. “Xoli will be the technological instrument that will allow us to connect these aspects with the population,” she stated, highlighting the tool's potential impact.

Designed by Locals for Locals

Xoli was developed by the city's government, showcasing a collaborative effort between the Digital Agency for Public Innovation and local Ministries of Tourism and Culture. The goal was to create an accessible platform that could handle the city's diverse information demands, particularly in light of the expected tourist surge.

The chatbot is operational 24/7, making it incredibly user-friendly. To start using Xoli, users simply need to: - Open WhatsApp. - Initiate a chat with the number 55 6565 9395. - Send the message “Hola” to begin.

Once engaged, Xoli prompts users to select their language preference, leading them to a comprehensive menu that covers various topics such as culture, tourism, gastronomy, mobility, and general inquiries about the city.

World Cup Specific Features

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, Xoli will include a dedicated section featuring information pertinent to the tournament. This will encompass: - Details about match schedules. - Information on events happening around the games. - Locations for public broadcasts of matches. - Ticket purchasing options.

This capability is particularly critical given the expected rise in tourist activities. According to Alejandra Frausto, head of Mexico City's Ministry of Tourism, the city already hosts nearly 3,000 tourist and cultural activities daily, a number that can surge to 5,000 during peak times. “Providing reliable and accessible information is a significant challenge, but thanks to Xoli, we can now meet this demand effectively,” she noted.

Enhancing the Tourist Experience

The introduction of Xoli not only represents a step forward in technological advancements for the city but also aligns with broader efforts by the federal government to utilize the World Cup as a catalyst for growth in commerce, tourism, sports, and culture across the nation.

Last year, President Claudia Sheinbaum introduced the Mexico 2026 Social World Cup Plan, which outlines plans for over 177 festivities and 5,000 activities linked to the tournament. This ambitious initiative also includes 74 tournaments and soccer cups catering to students, workers, and the general populace, as well as 1,500 actions promoting healthy lifestyles through the Vive Saludable (Live Healthy) initiative.

Complementing Xoli, the government is launching the Conoce México app, developed by the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications and the Ministry of Tourism. This app will provide fans—both local and international—with updates on matches, venues, routes, and cultural events.

Ticket Sales Made Easy

In a further effort to streamline the experience for World Cup attendees, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency has reached an agreement with FIFA to establish a ticket sales platform that will operate in Spanish and display prices in Mexican pesos. This platform will also introduce an official resale system, allowing fans who can’t attend matches to sell their tickets safely and at regulated prices.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Mexico City?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a landmark event, being the first tournament in over 90 years to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the city prepares to welcome an unprecedented number of visitors, the implementation of tools like Xoli is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for tourists.

As the tournament approaches, it will be crucial to monitor how effectively Xoli and other initiatives can enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the local economy. With growing expectations, the success of these technological solutions could set a precedent for future events in the region.

Why It Matters

The launch of Xoli represents a significant advancement in how cities can leverage technology to enhance tourism and public engagement. By providing accessible information, Mexico City aims to not only boost its economy during the World Cup but also establish a lasting legacy of innovation and connectivity for future visitors.

In conclusion, as the world turns its eyes to Mexico for the 2026 World Cup, tools like Xoli are paving the way for an enriched tourist experience, making the capital an attractive destination for years to come.