Mexico City's AI Chatbot Helps 2026 World Cup Visitors

Imagine landing in Mexico City for the World Cup and having a local friend available anytime to answer your questions. That's exactly what the city just made possible.

Mexico City's government launched Xoli (pronounced sho-lee), a WhatsApp chatbot designed entirely by local teams to help tourists navigate the city. The tool went live ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which expects to draw millions of visitors to Mexico's capital.

Using Xoli is simple. Open WhatsApp, message 55 6565 9395, and type "Hola." The chatbot instantly offers English or Spanish and connects users to information about restaurants, museums, transportation, cultural events, and public services.

The city hosts nearly 3,000 tourist and cultural activities daily. During peak seasons, that number jumps to 5,000 events per day. Turning this massive amount of information into something accessible used to require tremendous effort, according to Alejandra Frausto, head of Mexico City's Ministry of Tourism.

The chatbot runs continuously, seven days a week. During the World Cup, it will feature a dedicated section with match details, public viewing locations, special events, and ticket purchasing options.

Mexico City's Digital Agency for Public Innovation partnered with local tourism and culture ministries to build the platform from scratch. Government officials see it as a step toward making the city more innovative and accessible for everyone.

The Ripple Effect

Xoli represents just one piece of Mexico's broader plan to transform the World Cup into an opportunity for growth. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the Mexico 2026 Social World Cup plan, which includes over 177 festivals, 5,000 activities, and 74 soccer tournaments for students and workers.

The federal government also created the Conoce México app, which will provide fans with real-time updates on matches, venues, and cultural activities. They even worked with FIFA to launch a Spanish-language ticket platform displaying prices in Mexican pesos, complete with an official resale system.

The 2026 World Cup breaks records as the first tournament in over 90 years hosted by three countries. With 48 national teams and 104 matches, it represents a significant boost for Mexican tourism and commerce.

Clara Brugada, head of Mexico City's government, explained that Xoli "will be the technological instrument that will allow us to link culture, tourism, recreation, and entertainment with the population." Best of all, the chatbot won't disappear when the final whistle blows. Officials confirmed it will remain active after the tournament ends, continuing to promote local businesses and help residents access public services.

A friendly AI guide in your pocket proves that technology can bring people together rather than push them apart.