Mexico City, July 27, 2026.—The Universidad Panamericana recognizes the participation of more than 90 students and alumni who took part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup volunteer program—an international experience that allowed them to put their leadership, spirit of service, and well-rounded education into practice at one of the world’s most important sporting events.
Thanks to an initiative launched by Alumni UP, members of the university community collaborated in strategic areas such as ceremonies, accreditation, hospitality, fan services, team services, media, transportation, broadcasting, sustainability, and human rights, contributing to the tournament’s organizational success.
An experience that goes beyond sports
For the volunteers, participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ meant much more than just experiencing the tournament from the inside; it was an opportunity to apply the values and skills they had developed during their college education in a multicultural and highly demanding environment.
Luis Frías, an alumnus at UP and a volunteer with Host City CDMX, described the experience as “much more than just fulfilling a dream: preparing myself, learning, making mistakes, trying again, and never giving up on my passion.”
For her part, María Fernanda Hernández Ramírez, an UP who helped out in the Team Services department, highlighted the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a world-class competition. “I was able to discover details that aren’t visible during the games,” she said, while acknowledging that the education she received at the Universidad Panamericana strengthened her leadership skills for working in an international environment.
Leadership, Service, and Global Vision
Volunteering also allowed students to showcase Mexican hospitality to visitors from around the world. Paulette Pantiga Martínez, a student and member of the Hospitality team, noted that one of the most enriching experiences was spending time with people from different cultures and “showing our visitors a little of Mexico’s warmth and hospitality.”
In the area of Sustainability and Human Rights, Elba Beatriz Márquez Couret, an alumna of UP, put into practice the professionalism, sense of service, and people-centered vision that characterize the Universidad Panamericana, collaborating on initiatives with social impact within the tournament.
For José Diego Uribe Rubalcaba, a student in the Government degree program and a volunteer in the Accreditation department, being part of the World Cup meant taking on a responsibility of international scope. “It was a way to represent Mexico, work with people from all over the world, and help make this historic event a success, ” he said.
UP Alumni Promotes Experiences with International Impact
The participation of students and alumni in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ reflects Alumni’s UP Alumni to create opportunities that strengthen professional development, leadership, and the international presence of the university community.
Beyond the tournament, this experience provided valuable lessons, collaborative networks, and a global perspective that will stay with the volunteers throughout their professional careers.
Through initiatives like this, the Universidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to training individuals capable of making a positive impact on the international stage, bringing UP’s talent, values, and spirit of service to the world’s most important events.
Congratulations to our student and alumni volunteers for being part of history!
Learn how Alumni UP promotes professional development, networking, and continuing education for our graduates: https://www.up.edu.mx/alumni/
