Mexico’s World Cup Impact Seen Near MX$200 Billion

Mexico could generate nearly MX$200 billion (US$11 billion) in economic benefits from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (CONCANACO SERVYTUR). The projection significantly exceeds the federal government’s official estimate of MX$65 billion, pointing to a broader and more robust impact on the domestic economy than previously anticipated.

The expanded outlook is based on a national strategy aimed at distributing the tournament’s economic benefits beyond the three host cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The goal is to stimulate domestic consumption nationwide by engaging states, municipalities and local businesses linked to tourism, commerce and services.

Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano, President, CONCANACO SERVYTUR, stressed that the World Cup should be understood as a national platform rather than a localized event. “It is not just three entities,” De la Torre said, noting that multiple states and municipalities will participate indirectly.

Hard Data and Performance Metrics

Official figures estimate for 2025 place the baseline economic spillover at MX$65 billion, supported by the expected arrival of approximately 5.5 million visitors and the 13 matches scheduled to be played in Mexican stadiums. The event is also projected to generate at least 12,000 temporary jobs.

The push toward the MX$200 billion target draws on the proven performance of domestic consumption programs. De la Torre pointed to initiatives such as La Gran Escapada and Viernes Muy Mexicano as evidence of the potential impact of coordinated retail strategies. La Gran Escapada generated roughly MX$40 billion, while four editions of Viernes Muy Mexicano totaled MX$48 billion. Combined with El Buen Fin, these programs have produced more than MX$307 billion in economic benefits, reinforcing expectations that the 2026 World Cup can leverage similar models to maximize revenue.

To support a more transversal economic spillover, CONCANACO SERVYTUR is establishing a national working group to coordinate efforts between the three host cities and seven additional training hubs: Puebla, Torreon, Queretaro, Pachuca, Cancun, Toluca and Tijuana. The initiative aims to provide training, digitalization and tourism promotion tools for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Strategic Priorities and Local Integration

The Plan Concanaco: A Very Mexican World Cup (Un Mundial Muy Mexicano) serves as the central roadmap for maximizing economic spillover. The strategy prioritizes community tourism, cultural experiences and local gastronomy, with the objective of channeling revenue to neighborhood economies and family-owned businesses rather than concentrating it in large international chains or high-traffic zones.

“The 2026 World Cup is a historic opportunity for the economic spillover to reach neighborhoods, tourist corridors and historic centers across the country,” De la Torre said. “From CONCANACO SERVYTUR, we are committed to translating it into employment, investment and growth for millions of family businesses.”

The plan also includes the nationwide campaign Balls for Everyone: Let the Game Begin (Balones para todos: que comience el juego), aimed at children and youth to encourage engagement with local commerce and family-run enterprises through the lens of the sporting event.

Public-Private Coordination and Policy Outlook

The successful execution of the tournament will depend heavily on coordination between the public and private sectors. Business leaders have welcomed the participation of Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, in the FIFA World Cup draw held in Washington, D.C., viewing it as a signal of institutional commitment and political certainty.

“The presence of President Sheinbaum at the draw marks the political starting point of this major undertaking,” De la Torre said, adding that her involvement sends a message of “unity, certainty and confidence.”

However, he acknowledged that maximizing the event’s economic impact will require addressing structural challenges, particularly public security. De la Torre emphasized that international perception is critical to maintaining visitor confidence and tourism flows. “If we want to do well, we must also speak well about what we do well,” he said, warning that negative narratives could dampen consumption and tourist arrivals.

Mexico's projections compare favorably with those of its co-hosts. The United States expects between US$5 billion and US$10 billion in direct economic impact from 78 matches across 16 cities, supported in part by new stadiums in Nashville and Kansas City, according to FIFA estimates. Canada  anticipates CAD$2.5 billion in economic benefits from matches in Toronto and Vancouver, with an emphasis on technology-driven fan experiences.

Challenges and Risks

Despite the optimistic outlook, analysts caution that mega-events carry inherent risks. Economists at the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) note that previous World Cups, such as Brazil 2014, achieved only about 60% of projected benefits due to inflationary pressures and localized displacement. In Mexico, security perceptions remain a critical variable, as negative media coverage could deter the anticipated influx of 5.5 million visitors.

Additional risks include over-reliance on temporary employment and potential peso volatility, which could erode foreign visitors’ purchasing power. While CONCANACO SERVYTUR emphasizes public-private coordination to mitigate these risks, business leaders agree that improvements in infrastructure and security are essential.

Long-Term Regional Development

Beyond the tournament’s five-week duration, CONCANACO SERVYTUR expects the World Cup to deliver lasting benefits by strengthening Mexico’s internal market and accelerating the digitalization of SMEs. The national working group will facilitate access to tools and training that allow affiliated businesses to capitalize on increased domestic and international demand.

By spreading consumption across hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and neighborhood shops, the confederation aims to support formal employment and promote balanced regional growth. The official rollout of Plan Concanaco: A Very Mexican World Cup outlines the specific objectives and mechanisms available to chambers and businesses ahead of the opening match on June 11, 2026.