Sunday, December 14, 2025

North American World Cup or Americana Fever Dream? After watching the 2026 draw, we’re confused

Canadian Mexican Ian Ostroff asks whether the much-vaunted North American collaboration in FIFA's 2026 World Cup was truly on display at last week's US-centric tournament draw.

El Jalapeño: After Lake Texcoco water levels rise, planned airport moves to Xochimilco

0
Our latest dose of fake news looks at how a new airport in the dry land of Xochimilco could be the answer to flooding in Texcoco.
Bottles of different brands of hot sauces on a supermarket shelf.

The Cholula Effect: How a Mexican hot sauce conquered global palates

0
Thanks to the convergence of changing demographics in the U.S. and some clever marketing, Cholula has gone from a little-known Mexican hot sauce to a global phenomenon.
Humpback whale in Los Cabos

A guide to whale watching season in Los Cabos, plus swimming with orcas and whale sharks

0
Up to 5,000 whales transit the waters around Los Cabos each winter, with myriad whale-focused tours and adventures provided seasonally by local tour operators. Here's a guide to the most notable of these.

El Jalapeño: After Lake Texcoco water levels rise, planned airport moves to Xochimilco

0
Our latest dose of fake news looks at how a new airport in the dry land of Xochimilco could be the answer to flooding in Texcoco.
Bottles of different brands of hot sauces on a supermarket shelf.

The Cholula Effect: How a Mexican hot sauce conquered global palates

0
Thanks to the convergence of changing demographics in the U.S. and some clever marketing, Cholula has gone from a little-known Mexican hot sauce to a global phenomenon.
Humpback whale in Los Cabos

A guide to whale watching season in Los Cabos, plus swimming with orcas and...

0
Up to 5,000 whales transit the waters around Los Cabos each winter, with myriad whale-focused tours and adventures provided seasonally by local tour operators. Here's a guide to the most notable of these.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity
Close-up portrait of a Wixárika man wearing a traditional hat adorned with feathers and intricate beadwork

Despite VidantaWorld, Nayarit still has plenty of authentic, sustainable tourism; here’s where

0
If you head north, beyond the 3,000-acre spectacle in Nuevo Nayarit, you can still find real communities, with plenty of interactive, respectful and unforgettable tourism experiences.
News quiz

The MND News Quiz of the Week: December 13th

0
Style, soccer and summiting pyramids: Have you been keeping up with the news this week?

MND Tutor | Navidad

0
It's the most wonderful time of the year, so learn about Mexican Christmas — in Spanish!
Water running through fingers

All about agua in Mexico

1
Mexico has a new water law, but not everyone is convinced its going to work equitably for all of the country's citizens. MND writer Sarah DeVries shares her ideas on how to deal with the reality of agua in Mexico.
New Year's Eve in Mexico City

A last minute guide to New Year’s Eve plans in Mexico City

0
Our ultimate guide to spending New Year's Eve in Mexico City, from elegant dinners to speakeasy parties, free events in historic outdoor settings, and even spas and hot-air balloon rides.
Mexico's national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 tournament brings challenge for El Tri into focus

0
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is mostly set, outside a few qualifiers, so it's possible to handicap Mexico's chances against its group mates, and against sterner competition should El Tri advance to the knock-out stage.
Workers in neon vests cross Avenida Juárez in Mexico City carrying ladders

Mexico is becoming friendlier to labor, but there’s one big problem: A perspective from...

13
As conditions for workers improve in Mexico, labor productivity needs to follow suit, writes Travis Bembenek. But how?
National Security Council meeting

Sheinbaum identifies curbing extortion as a top security challenge for 2026 

5
The president has acknowledged that extortion is the one major crime that has not been reduced during her year in office, and has targeted it as a priority for the next year.
The Nuevo Laredo International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mexico seen across the Rio Grande from Laredo.

Inside the binational effort to clean up the Rio Grande

Nuevo Laredo used to dump millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Rio Grande daily. Now the city is cleaning up its act, thanks to a determined mayor with support on both sides of the border.
Yuri Knorozov at his desk

How a Soviet genius cracked the uncrackable Maya code

6
How could a Russian who had never even visited Mexico become the first person since the ancient Maya to underderstand their written language? It all started with a few Mayan codices stolen by the Nazis.
President Sheinbaum on stage next to Trump and Carney, holding a paper reading Mexico

Sheinbaum joins US President Trump and Canada PM Carney at the FIFA World Cup...

16
The draw results are now in: Group assignments are set and Mexico will kick off the World Cup with a June 11 game against South Africa.
Farmer with a box full of fruits and vegetables

Mexican ag experts: Your insights are needed

0
Wikifarmer is encouraging Mexican farmers to take its new survey as part of efforts to gather up-to-date information on agriculture in the country, including pricing changes and the effects of climate change.
Close-up portrait of a Wixárika man wearing a traditional hat adorned with feathers and intricate beadwork

Despite VidantaWorld, Nayarit still has plenty of authentic, sustainable tourism; here’s where

0
If you head north, beyond the 3,000-acre spectacle in Nuevo Nayarit, you can still find real communities, with plenty of interactive, respectful and unforgettable tourism experiences.
News quiz

The MND News Quiz of the Week: December 13th

0
Style, soccer and summiting pyramids: Have you been keeping up with the news this week?

MND Tutor | Navidad

0
It's the most wonderful time of the year, so learn about Mexican Christmas — in Spanish!
Water running through fingers

All about agua in Mexico

1
Mexico has a new water law, but not everyone is convinced its going to work equitably for all of the country's citizens. MND writer Sarah DeVries shares her ideas on how to deal with the reality of agua in Mexico.
New Year's Eve in Mexico City

A last minute guide to New Year’s Eve plans in Mexico City

0
Our ultimate guide to spending New Year's Eve in Mexico City, from elegant dinners to speakeasy parties, free events in historic outdoor settings, and even spas and hot-air balloon rides.
Mexico's national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 tournament brings challenge for El Tri into focus

0
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is mostly set, outside a few qualifiers, so it's possible to handicap Mexico's chances against its group mates, and against sterner competition should El Tri advance to the knock-out stage.
Stellantis plant

Automaker Stellantis planning major expansion of its Mexican operations  

2
Its reinforced commitment to Mexico strikes a contrast to some other global automakers who have either moved out or paused plans to move in.
Workers in neon vests cross Avenida Juárez in Mexico City carrying ladders

Mexico is becoming friendlier to labor, but there’s one big problem: A perspective from...

13
As conditions for workers improve in Mexico, labor productivity needs to follow suit, writes Travis Bembenek. But how?
Water drips from an outdoor spigot

Confidently Wrong about Water in Mexico: A new podcast from our CEO

2
Is it still necessary to avoid drinking tap water? What do water shortages mean for the construction of new homes? Travis Bembenek covers these questions and more in a new MND podcast.
Travis Bembenek sits at a desk recording a podcast while wearing a Mexico News Daily T-shirt

A few words about the new MND Merch and MND culture: A perspective from...

7
You asked, MND delivers: CEO Travis Bembenek introduces MND Merch, so readers can rep the MND mission across Mexico and beyond.
Facade of the new US Embassy in Mexico City. The front of the building is made with pink Mexican cantera stone arranged in rectangles of different sizes and faces a wide courtyard.

Facts and figures about the newly opened US Embassy in CDMX: A perspective from...

13
Our CEO Travis Bembenek took a tour of the new United States Embassy in Mexico City, a state-of-the-art diplomatic complex featuring two gyms, a basketball court and an on-site medical clinic.
A plume of smoke rises from a cargo tanker at sea

China urges Mexico to reverse 50% tariffs ‘as soon as possible’

11
The new tariffs are not a political measure but rather aim to protect Mexican industry from cheap imports, Economy Minister Ebrard said Thursday.
Stellantis plant

Automaker Stellantis planning major expansion of its Mexican operations  

2
Its reinforced commitment to Mexico strikes a contrast to some other global automakers who have either moved out or paused plans to move in.
the Angel of Independence in Mexico City

Foreign direct investment in Mexico climbs to record US $40.9B, already surpassing all of...

0
New investment contributed to around 16% of total FDI in Mexico in the first nine months of the year, with the remainder of the money coming from reinvestment of profits and payments by foreign companies with an existing presence in Mexico.
MXN - Mexican Peso
USD
18.21
CAD
13.22
EUR
21.38
AI conference

Nearly 40% of businesses in Mexico now using AI, says AWS executive

2
Around 495,000 companies in Mexico have adopted AI over the last year, with 2 million businesses now using the technology, according to Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) general manager Rubén Mugártegui.
Sheinbaum at Business COuncil luncheon 2025

Mexico’s business elite presents President Sheinbaum with a US $40 billion investment package

0
The proposal came during the president's annual end-of-the-year luncheon with the Mexican Buiness Council (CMN), the atmosphere of which was reportedly warm and positive.
MXN - Mexican Peso
USD
18.21
CAD
13.22
EUR
21.38
President Sheinbaum gestures from the podium of her morning press conference

Sheinbaum defends Mexico’s sweeping new tariffs: Thursday’s mañanera recapped

1
Thursday's morning presser also covered tension with the US over water deliveries and Mexico's plans to attract Chinese tourism.
Sheinbaum mañanera Dec. 10, 2025

Sheinbaum thanks Indigenous artisans for her NYT-celebrated style: Wednesday’s mañanera recapped

1
Asked about her inclusion on The New York Times' list of "The 67 most stylish people of 2025," Sheinbaum said she appreciated the recognition but declared that the credit should, in fact, go to Mexico's Indigenous artisans.

North American World Cup or Americana Fever Dream? After watching the 2026 draw, we’re confused

6
Canadian Mexican Ian Ostroff asks whether the much-vaunted North American collaboration in FIFA's 2026 World Cup was truly on display at last week's US-centric tournament draw.
Man with two women

La casa chica: The rise and fall of Mexico’s institution of second families

8
La casa chica, the secondary home for one's mistress and illegitimate children, was once a male prerogative. Nowadays, however, it's a tradition in decline across gender lines.
A woman wearing headphones sits at a desk across from a white, anthropomorphic AI robot. The robot points toward a large holographic screen displaying an open mouth labeled "boca."

AI won’t solve your language problems: A take on using AI for language translation

12
Using AI chatbots to practice your Spanish? Thinking about it? Former language teacher Sarah DeVries lays out what to know about using AI for language learning.
Humpback whale in Los Cabos

A guide to whale watching season in Los Cabos, plus swimming with orcas and whale sharks

0
Up to 5,000 whales transit the waters around Los Cabos each winter, with myriad whale-focused tours and adventures provided seasonally by local tour operators. Here's a guide to the most notable of these.
Close-up portrait of a Wixárika man wearing a traditional hat adorned with feathers and intricate beadwork

Despite VidantaWorld, Nayarit still has plenty of authentic, sustainable tourism; here’s where

0
If you head north, beyond the 3,000-acre spectacle in Nuevo Nayarit, you can still find real communities, with plenty of interactive, respectful and unforgettable tourism experiences.
Coastal hills and a golf coarse in Loreto, Baja California Sur

Loreto, the Baja Peninsula Pueblo Mágico, makes the BBC’s top 20 list of world destinations

2
The British broadcaster was impressed by the town's natural beauty and historical importance, but more so by its community-led conservation efforts.
Man with two women

La casa chica: The rise and fall of Mexico’s institution of second families

8
La casa chica, the secondary home for one's mistress and illegitimate children, was once a male prerogative. Nowadays, however, it's a tradition in decline across gender lines.
A woman wearing headphones sits at a desk across from a white, anthropomorphic AI robot. The robot points toward a large holographic screen displaying an open mouth labeled "boca."

AI won’t solve your language problems: A take on using AI for language translation

12
Using AI chatbots to practice your Spanish? Thinking about it? Former language teacher Sarah DeVries lays out what to know about using AI for language learning.
Water drips from an outdoor spigot

Confidently Wrong about Water in Mexico: A new podcast from our CEO

2
Is it still necessary to avoid drinking tap water? What do water shortages mean for the construction of new homes? Travis Bembenek covers these questions and more in a new MND podcast.
Travis Bembenek sits at a desk recording a podcast while wearing a Mexico News Daily T-shirt

A few words about the new MND Merch and MND culture: A perspective from...

7
You asked, MND delivers: CEO Travis Bembenek introduces MND Merch, so readers can rep the MND mission across Mexico and beyond.
A team of architects and engineers reviews blueprints on a stack of concrete blocks at a home building construction site in Mexico.

Investing from scratch: When your dream is building property in Mexico 

0
Building a home in Mexico can be a dream come true or a nightmare, depending on how well you understand the geography where you're building, Mexican law and your rights and obligations.
A small house in a forest

Sustainability meets investment at these Mexican real estate projects

0
Investing in real estate in Mexico doesn't just mean beachside condos, as these amazing sustainable developments prove.

MND Tutor | Navidad

Millions flood the capital to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe on her day

0
The believers, some arriving at the Basilica on their knees, numbered 13 million by 5 a.m. Friday, requiring deployment of 5,000 police and security forces.
The new and old Basilica de Guadalupe buildings, side-by-side in Tepeyac

Why are there two Basílicas to Our Lady of Guadalupe?

0
As the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe approaches, many worshippers make the pilgrimage to Tepeyac, home to not one basilica in her honor, but two.
Copalita Trail

Oaxaca’s Copalita Trail: trekking the Zapotec way

4
Let your Zapotec guides introduce you to one of the most amazing treks in Oaxaca: the Copalita Trail. It takes 5 days and 100 kilometers to accomplish, but is absolutely worth it for the stunning views and culinary pleasures.
Tlajomulco, Jalisco, México, 3 de agosto de 2025. La doctora Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, presidenta Constitucional de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos en la inauguración de la primera etapa del Hospital Regional ISSSTE Tlajomulco, Jalisco.

NYT names Sheinbaum among the most stylish people of 2025

4
The NYT highlighted Sheinbaum's stance against major brands that copy artisans' work without credit or fair compensation, connecting her wardrobe choices to her defense of cultural property.
Close-up portrait of a Wixárika man wearing a traditional hat adorned with feathers and intricate beadwork

Despite VidantaWorld, Nayarit still has plenty of authentic, sustainable tourism; here’s where

0
If you head north, beyond the 3,000-acre spectacle in Nuevo Nayarit, you can still find real communities, with plenty of interactive, respectful and unforgettable tourism experiences.
Coastal hills and a golf coarse in Loreto, Baja California Sur

Loreto, the Baja Peninsula Pueblo Mágico, makes the BBC’s top 20 list of world...

2
The British broadcaster was impressed by the town's natural beauty and historical importance, but more so by its community-led conservation efforts.
Julia Ortega

Julia Ortega: The woman behind Mexico’s first carbon-neutral coffee farm

0
Julia Ortega has taken some big risks, but her decision to do things the right way, keeping her coffee organic and her farm in Puebla carbon-neutral, is finally paying off.
Close-up of green corn stalks and tassels in a field under a cloudy sky, illustrating the modern result of the evolution of corn from teosinte.

Ancient genetic engineers: How Mexico’s Mesoamericans bred a tiny plant into corn

8
Science still doesn't know which of Mexico's ancient peoples discovered how to breed the tiny teosinte plant into what's still a major food staple for the nation today.
The Rio Grande or Rio Bravo flows through Big Bend National Park in Texas

Mexico faces new tariff threat from Trump over water debt

27
Despite Mexico's agreement in April to deliver more water to the U.S., the 2020-25 treaty cycle concluded in late October with Mexico still owing its neighbor just over 865,000 acre-feet of water.
Water drips from an outdoor spigot

Confidently Wrong about Water in Mexico: A new podcast from our CEO

2
Is it still necessary to avoid drinking tap water? What do water shortages mean for the construction of new homes? Travis Bembenek covers these questions and more in a new MND podcast.
Oceanman in Cozumel

I entered the Oceanman in Cozumel with less than a month to train and...

2
What could happen if you tried an endurance swimming race without a proper training schedule? One Riviera Maya resident decided to find out.
A medical device at a Los Cabos hospital

A guide to medical tourism in Los Cabos

2
These Baja California Sur hospitals are modern and clean and cost a fraction of the price of those at home, worth considering for an upcoming procedure.

MND Tutor | Navidad

0
It's the most wonderful time of the year, so learn about Mexican Christmas — in Spanish!

Millions flood the capital to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe on her day

0
The believers, some arriving at the Basilica on their knees, numbered 13 million by 5 a.m. Friday, requiring deployment of 5,000 police and security forces.
The new and old Basilica de Guadalupe buildings, side-by-side in Tepeyac

Why are there two Basílicas to Our Lady of Guadalupe?

0
As the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe approaches, many worshippers make the pilgrimage to Tepeyac, home to not one basilica in her honor, but two.
A Yankee batter swings at a baseball thrown by the Mexico City Diablos Rojos pitcher in Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium

NL West rivals will square off as Major League Baseball returns to Mexico City in April

0
The April 25-26 series between the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks reboots the regular-season MLB international schedule in Mexico after a year off.
Copalita Trail

Oaxaca’s Copalita Trail: trekking the Zapotec way

4
Let your Zapotec guides introduce you to one of the most amazing treks in Oaxaca: the Copalita Trail. It takes 5 days and 100 kilometers to accomplish, but is absolutely worth it for the stunning views and culinary pleasures.
Tlajomulco, Jalisco, México, 3 de agosto de 2025. La doctora Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, presidenta Constitucional de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos en la inauguración de la primera etapa del Hospital Regional ISSSTE Tlajomulco, Jalisco.

NYT names Sheinbaum among the most stylish people of 2025

4
The NYT highlighted Sheinbaum's stance against major brands that copy artisans' work without credit or fair compensation, connecting her wardrobe choices to her defense of cultural property.
A Virgin of Guadalupe figure in sparkling pink robes watches over a plaza filled with colorful camping tents

Mexico’s week in review: Mexico leans into protectionism as the year draws to a...

0
Tariffs, both real and threatened, shaped headlines the second week of December, as Mexico sought to resolve a water dispute with the U.S.
News quiz

The MND News Quiz of the Week: December 13th

0
Style, soccer and summiting pyramids: Have you been keeping up with the news this week?
The Nuevo Laredo International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mexico seen across the Rio Grande from Laredo.

Inside the binational effort to clean up the Rio Grande

Nuevo Laredo used to dump millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Rio Grande daily. Now the city is cleaning up its act, thanks to a determined mayor with support on both sides of the border.
Tourists swim and lounge on the beach in front of Puerto Vallarta hotels and condos

Despite court ruling, Puerto Vallarta plans to apply a modified foreign tourist tax

7
Municipal authorities are sure they have addressed the concerns of the Supreme Court, which had tossed out the tax law as vague and unconstitutional.
San Miguel de Allende real estate listing

Why your real estate agent in Mexico still gets a commission when you find...

4
Your real estate agent gets a 5% commission when you sell your home in Mexico, even if you found the buyer. Here's an in-depth look at why they deserve every penny or peso.
A team of architects and engineers reviews blueprints on a stack of concrete blocks at a home building construction site in Mexico.

Investing from scratch: When your dream is building property in Mexico 

0
Building a home in Mexico can be a dream come true or a nightmare, depending on how well you understand the geography where you're building, Mexican law and your rights and obligations.
A small house in a forest

Sustainability meets investment at these Mexican real estate projects

0
Investing in real estate in Mexico doesn't just mean beachside condos, as these amazing sustainable developments prove.
The Nuevo Laredo International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mexico seen across the Rio Grande from Laredo.

Inside the binational effort to clean up the Rio Grande

Nuevo Laredo used to dump millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Rio Grande daily. Now the city is cleaning up its act, thanks to a determined mayor with support on both sides of the border.
The Rio Grande or Rio Bravo flows through Big Bend National Park in Texas

Mexico faces new tariff threat from Trump over water debt

27
Despite Mexico's agreement in April to deliver more water to the U.S., the 2020-25 treaty cycle concluded in late October with Mexico still owing its neighbor just over 865,000 acre-feet of water.
Water drips from an outdoor spigot

Confidently Wrong about Water in Mexico: A new podcast from our CEO

2
Is it still necessary to avoid drinking tap water? What do water shortages mean for the construction of new homes? Travis Bembenek covers these questions and more in a new MND podcast.
Dr. Molina

One doctor’s mission to provide affordable care in Zihuatanejo

2
Everyone should have a doctor who cares as much as Dr. Molina, a woman on a mission in one of Zihuatanejo's poorest neighborhoods.
Oceanman in Cozumel

I entered the Oceanman in Cozumel with less than a month to train and...

2
What could happen if you tried an endurance swimming race without a proper training schedule? One Riviera Maya resident decided to find out.
A medical device at a Los Cabos hospital

A guide to medical tourism in Los Cabos

2
These Baja California Sur hospitals are modern and clean and cost a fraction of the price of those at home, worth considering for an upcoming procedure.
A plume of smoke rises from a cargo tanker at sea

China urges Mexico to reverse 50% tariffs ‘as soon as possible’

11
The new tariffs are not a political measure but rather aim to protect Mexican industry from cheap imports, Economy Minister Ebrard said Thursday.
Stellantis plant

Automaker Stellantis planning major expansion of its Mexican operations  

2
Its reinforced commitment to Mexico strikes a contrast to some other global automakers who have either moved out or paused plans to move in.
the Angel of Independence in Mexico City

Foreign direct investment in Mexico climbs to record US $40.9B, already surpassing all of...

0
New investment contributed to around 16% of total FDI in Mexico in the first nine months of the year, with the remainder of the money coming from reinvestment of profits and payments by foreign companies with an existing presence in Mexico.
Yuri Knorozov at his desk

How a Soviet genius cracked the uncrackable Maya code

6
How could a Russian who had never even visited Mexico become the first person since the ancient Maya to underderstand their written language? It all started with a few Mayan codices stolen by the Nazis.
President Sheinbaum on stage next to Trump and Carney, holding a paper reading Mexico

Sheinbaum joins US President Trump and Canada PM Carney at the FIFA World Cup...

16
The draw results are now in: Group assignments are set and Mexico will kick off the World Cup with a June 11 game against South Africa.
Farmer with a box full of fruits and vegetables

Mexican ag experts: Your insights are needed

0
Wikifarmer is encouraging Mexican farmers to take its new survey as part of efforts to gather up-to-date information on agriculture in the country, including pricing changes and the effects of climate change.

El Jalapeño: Whales gather off the coast of Mexico as annual human watching season...

5
Human-watching season turns office life into a hilarious safari spectacle in this week's El Jalapeño, Mexico's premier fake news outlet.
Bottles of different brands of hot sauces on a supermarket shelf.

The Cholula Effect: How a Mexican hot sauce conquered global palates

0
Thanks to the convergence of changing demographics in the U.S. and some clever marketing, Cholula has gone from a little-known Mexican hot sauce to a global phenomenon.
Julia Ortega

Julia Ortega: The woman behind Mexico’s first carbon-neutral coffee farm

0
Julia Ortega has taken some big risks, but her decision to do things the right way, keeping her coffee organic and her farm in Puebla carbon-neutral, is finally paying off.
Close-up of green corn stalks and tassels in a field under a cloudy sky, illustrating the modern result of the evolution of corn from teosinte.

Ancient genetic engineers: How Mexico’s Mesoamericans bred a tiny plant into corn

8
Science still doesn't know which of Mexico's ancient peoples discovered how to breed the tiny teosinte plant into what's still a major food staple for the nation today.
Farmer with a box full of fruits and vegetables

Mexican ag experts: Your insights are needed

0
Wikifarmer is encouraging Mexican farmers to take its new survey as part of efforts to gather up-to-date information on agriculture in the country, including pricing changes and the effects of climate change.