Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – As excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to build across Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has joined the celebration in a creative and colorful way with the launch of the exhibition “Puerto Vallarta, Encuentro del Mundo”.
The initiative, promoted by Mayor Luis Munguía through the Directorate of Economic Promotion and Tourism, transforms public spaces into an open-air gallery that combines art, culture, and the universal passion for soccer.
The exhibition features 16 monumental soccer balls, each standing 1.50 meters tall and measuring 1.10 meters in circumference. Decorated by local artists and students from the University of Veracruz, the pieces showcase the creativity, identity, and cultural heritage that make Puerto Vallarta unique. The installations will be displayed along the Malecón, in Marina Vallarta, and at the airport, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the artwork throughout the city.
During the inauguration ceremony, Director of Economic Development and Tourism Alejandra Cornejo highlighted the significance of the project, noting that the collection goes beyond sports and serves as a reflection of Puerto Vallarta’s history, traditions, and artistic talent. Juan Pablo Martínez, Manager of Prosperity and Economic Development, added that initiatives such as this help strengthen the city’s presence within the broader World Cup celebration taking place throughout the region.
Among the artists contributing to the exhibition are Josué Reyes González, Antonio Collantes, Sergio Díaz López, Javier Correa, and Ernesto Solís Vargas, whose designs bring a variety of perspectives and artistic styles to the project. Together, the works create a visual journey that celebrates both local culture and the global spirit of the World Cup.
Puerto Vallarta’s art exhibition forms part of a series of cultural activities organized ahead of the highly anticipated Mexico vs. South Korea World Cup match in Guadalajara on June 18. The game carries special significance as it marks the first time the Mexican national team will play a FIFA World Cup match in Guadalajara, giving fans in Jalisco the opportunity to support El Tri on home soil during the tournament.
Although Mexico hosted FIFA World Cups in 1970 and 1986, all of the national team’s matches during those events were played at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The upcoming match in Guadalajara therefore represents a historic moment for both the state and the nation, adding to the festive atmosphere that has spread across Jalisco.
Dozens of residents and visitors attended the exhibition’s opening, touring the halls of the Municipal Presidency to admire the artistic creations. The event also offered tourists a chance to experience another side of Puerto Vallarta, one that highlights the city’s thriving creative community and its ability to connect local talent with an international celebration.
By bringing together art and soccer, “Puerto Vallarta, Encuentro del Mundo” creates a welcoming space where culture and sport intersect. The exhibition not only celebrates one of the world’s most important sporting events but also showcases the talent, imagination, and community spirit that continue to define Puerto Vallarta on the international stage.
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