Playa del Carmen hosts Uruguay Team

Playa del Carmen has always been one of the most vibrant destinations on Mexico's Riviera Maya — and this summer, it's stepping onto the world stage in a big way. Uruguay's national football team has officially selected Playa del Carmen as its base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the squad set to stay at the iconic Fairmont Mayakoba and train at the nearby Mayakoba Training Centre.

This is a massive moment for the region — and for anyone planning a trip to Playa this season.

## What This Means for Visitors

With Uruguay's La Celeste setting up home base here, Playa del Carmen is going to have an electric atmosphere throughout the tournament. Whether you're a football fan or just someone who loves the energy of a world-class event, this summer is a uniquely exciting time to visit.

The Fairmont Mayakoba, where the team will be based, sits about 40 minutes from Cancún International Airport along the stunning Riviera Maya coastline. The area surrounding it — mangroves, cenotes, and white-sand beaches — is some of the most beautiful in the country.

A City Already on the Rise

This World Cup connection is part of a larger story of Playa del Carmen's growing international profile. The recently opened Tulum International Airport now connects the region to 106 domestic and international destinations via 54 airlines, including 18 weekly flights to Europe. Getting here has never been easier.

The city is also hosting the Festival Caribe Suena on March 21 — a perfect warm-up to a summer full of energy and culture. And for those who love sustainable adventure, local authorities are actively promoting the Cenotes Corridor, a joint route with Yucatán linking nature experiences, ruins, and the crystal-clear freshwater pools the region is famous for.

## Why Now Is a Great Time to Visit

Peak season in Playa runs December through March, but the buzz building toward the World Cup means the energy will extend well into summer. Expect street gatherings, watch parties on 5th Avenue, and a festive international crowd that makes the city feel like the center of the world — because this year, it kind of is.

Temperatures are warm and welcoming, the water is calm and blue, and the food scene continues to grow with new openings like AM by MU, a breakfast spinoff of the beloved Mu Burger House on 38th Street.

## Practical Tips

- Getting here: Fly into Cancún International or the new Tulum International Airport

- Base yourself: 5th Avenue is the heart of the action; Playacar is great for families

- Don't miss: A cenote day trip — Cenote Azul (20 min south) and Dos Ojos (40 min south) are local favorites

- World Cup vibe: Check 5th Avenue bars and the beachfront for watch party schedules as the tournament approaches

Playa del Carmen has always rewarded travelers who show up. This summer, there's more reason than ever to be here.

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Sources: Focus on Travel News, Vallarta Daily, Sports Travel Magazine, Everything Playa del Carmen