Officials Aim to Make Colombia-Laredo Port Key 2026 World Cup Gateway

Authorities from Mexico and the U.S. discuss expanding bridge infrastructure and security ahead of influx of fans and cargo

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Officials from the Mexican state of Nuevo León recently met with U.S. and Mexican customs authorities to discuss making the Colombia-Laredo Port the main crossing point between the United States and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The discussions focused on expanding the bridge, improving infrastructure and security, and ensuring efficiency and speed for the millions of tourists and soccer fans expected to pass through the port.

Why it matters

The Colombia-Laredo Port is a critical border crossing connecting Nuevo León, Mexico and Texas. With Monterrey, Dallas, and Houston serving as host cities for over 20 World Cup matches, this port is expected to be the main gateway for fans and cargo traveling between the two countries. Ensuring the port can handle the increased traffic and flow of goods is crucial for the success of the tournament.

The details

The meeting was attended by officials from the Nuevo León state government, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Mexico's National Customs Agency. They discussed expanding the bridge, improving infrastructure and security, and maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and speed to accommodate the influx of World Cup-related traffic. The authorities also highlighted the sustained growth in crossings at the port in recent years, with a 121% increase in entry permits granted to Mexican citizens and tourists from 2024 to 2025.

  • The meeting took place on February 9, 2026.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June to July 2026.

The players

Marco González Valdez

Secretary of regional and agricultural development for the state of Nuevo León, representing the governor of that Mexican state, Samuel García.

Alberto Flores

Port director for the Laredo Port of Entry.

Javier Vazquez

Director of operations of CBP/Port Laredo.

Lt. Col. Pablo Matadamas

Head of the Colombia Customs Office in Nuevo León, representing ANAM.

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What they’re saying

“This is the first meeting of the year with these key authorities from both countries, to continue consolidating the Colombia-Laredo Port as the fastest, most efficient and safest on the entire Mexico-United States border.”

— Marco González Valdez, Secretary of regional and agricultural development for the state of Nuevo León

“All the authorities present agreed that this border crossing connecting Nuevo León and Texas will be the main connection between Monterrey, Dallas and Houston, host cities for more than 20 matches. We talked about millions of tourists and soccer fans crossing through our customs office, and our part in Gov. Samuel García's vision to consolidate this crossing as the fastest and safest for this influx of people.”

— Marco González Valdez, Secretary of regional and agricultural development for the state of Nuevo León

“To FIFA and all its collaborators and suppliers, with the support of CBP and ANAM, we assure you that you will enjoy speed, efficiency and security.”

— Marco González Valdez, Secretary of regional and agricultural development for the state of Nuevo León

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Colombia-Laredo Port is poised to play a crucial role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, serving as the main gateway for millions of fans and tons of cargo traveling between Mexico and the United States. By working to expand infrastructure, improve security, and ensure efficiency, authorities are taking steps to solidify the port's status as the premier border crossing for the tournament.