The fan zone in Ciudad de Mexico, surrounded by a wall and guarded by law enforcement » What is in store for the fans

• Sergiu Alexandru and Ionuț Iordache (photo) are at the World Championship and will sign special correspondence for Gazeta Sporturilor during the final tournament in Mexico, Canada and the USA

Starting on June 11, the day of the opening match of the biggest World Cup (Mexico – South Africa), fans will be able to come to watch, on a giant screen, every match of the final tournament hosted by Mexico, USA and Canada and enjoy the surprises prepared by FIFA and the tournament sponsors. These days they are working hard to get everything set up.

PHOTO. What the works look like for the FIFA Fan Festival, in Ciudad de Mexico

In the historic center of Mexico's capital, an area also known as the Zocalo, hundreds of workers work non-stop to make everything look perfect.

The Fan Zone is in the heart of the capital and is surrounded by the most important buildings in Ciudad de Mexico and in the country's history. In the Plaza de la Constitucion are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest in Latin America, the City Hall, the ruins of the Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztecs, destroyed in 1521, the Palacio Nacional, the seat of the Mexican executive, and the Supreme Court of Justice.

Over the years, all kinds of events have taken place here, from concerts and shows to protests.

these days, 100 meters before the Plaza de la Constitucion, a huge temporary fence, made of plastic panels, has been erected, delimiting the area where the FIFA Fan Festival will operate. And access is limited. People line up, and the law enforcement officers check each one individually, asking for an identification document. Locals have started to avoid the area, so only curious tourists, journalists and those who work in the area pass the wall.

After the fence, it's hard work. The giant screen, located right next to the Cathedral, is already installed. And the workers are putting together the last details. All kinds of ornaments are prepared to remind of the history and tradition of Mexico, such as figurines of Lucha Libre or Santa Muerte fighters, elements reminiscent of the Aztec civilization, colorful flags and figurines in the shape of hot peppers.

In addition to its historical significance, the venue was also chosen for its size, with organizers announcing that the FIFA Fan Festival in Ciudad de Mexico can accommodate 55,000 fans. The total area is 46,800 square meters.

The Zocalo Fan Festival will not only mean football. The organizers promise a complete experience, with concerts, DJs and live performances throughout the tour. On the very first day, after the match, one of the most famous bands in Mexico, La Banda El Recodo, will perform.

Visitors will find interactive areas dedicated to football, games and challenges, activities for children and specially designed spaces for families. Of course, there will also be gastronomic experiences, from traditional Mexican dishes to international cuisine, but also sponsor stands and the official FIFA store, where you can buy exclusive products dedicated to the World Championship.