MEXICO CITY — Mexico City authorities installed an ornate chandelier and Victorian-style lamps at the Hidalgo metro station as part of renovations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting a wave of online memes and mixed reactions from residents, officials said.
Construction crews worked to complete marble floor repairs and other upgrades at the busy downtown station, with the decorative lighting installed in May near the entrance. The changes were part of broader preparations for the tournament, which officially opened on June 12, 2026, with Mexico hosting matches at Estadio Azteca.
The Hidalgo station, a major transit hub serving multiple lines, has drawn attention for the contrast between the new fixtures — reminiscent of scenes from “Harry Potter” or “Titanic” — and the station’s usual gritty, high-traffic environment. Social media users quickly produced memes joking that officials were attempting to transform the metro into something resembling a European palace or luxury liner.
Mexico City officials have described the upgrades as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and aesthetics for the millions of visitors expected during the World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. The Hidalgo station serves commuters and tourists heading to central attractions.
Commuters expressed varied views. Some welcomed the enhancements, while others questioned the priorities amid ongoing issues with the metro system, including overcrowding and maintenance needs across the network. “It looks nice, but the metro still has bigger problems,” one rider told local media in recent days.
The project is part of wider city investments in public transit ahead of the global event. Similar upgrades have occurred at other stations, though the Hidalgo chandelier became the most viral element.
As of June 12, 2026, construction noise and work continued at the station even after the tournament opening ceremony. Details on the total cost of the Hidalgo renovations or timelines for additional station upgrades remain unclear. City officials did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
