FIFA Remains Tax-Free During Mexico 2026 World Cup

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that FIFA and its partners will remain fully exempt from taxes during the 2026 World Cup, despite government efforts to limit these fiscal privileges. The exemptions, originally negotiated under former President Enrique Peña Nieto, now apply only to the 2026 fiscal year, covering all tournament activities in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

Sheinbaum explained that the original agreement, signed in 2016, granted multiple years of tax exemptions. “They were reduced to one year and clarified by the Ministry of Finance,” she said, attributing responsibility for the agreements to Peña Nieto.

The Ministry of Finance clarified that the Government Guarantee document from Peña Nieto’s administration remains legally binding, enforceable, and fully valid regardless of changes in government or law. It exempts FIFA, its subsidiaries, member associations, suppliers, contractors, and any third parties involved in organizing the World Cup from paying federal and local taxes.

Originally, the agreement also provided exemptions from administrative and regulatory processes through 2028. According to the Ministry, the benefits now apply only to parties directly involved in organizing the tournament, covering obligations related to payments, transfers, withholding, collection, and remittance under tax law. The Ministry noted that these limits were achieved through agreements rather than court proceedings.

Of the three countries hosting the 2026 World Cup, only Mexico has granted a full national tax exemption. In contrast, the United States and Canada have partial exemptions applied at national, state, and local levels.

Mexico in the 2026 World Cup
Mexico’s role as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup makes it the first country to welcome the tournament three times, following 1970 and 1986. President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that the event presents a unique opportunity to showcase Mexico’s cultural heritage, hospitality, and economic strength to the world.

Gabriela Cuevas, Mexico's Representative, 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirmed that the country will host 13 matches across Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, supported by 17 training facilities for national teams. The Mexico 2026 program will also deliver free cultural and sporting activities in all 32 states, ensuring that the World Cup experience reaches every corner of the country.

Jurgen Mainka Ruiz, Executive Director, FIFA Mexico, described the tournament as the largest in history, featuring 48 national teams and attracting over 800,000 fans to matches in Mexico. FIFA Fan Festivals are expected to draw more than 6 million visitors, while global TV and digital audiences could exceed 6 billion viewers.

Official projections estimate that Mexico will welcome over 5.5 million international visitors, generating between US$1.8 billion and US$3 billion in economic impact.

Sheinbaum noted that Mexico’s modernized airport infrastructure is ready for the influx of visitors, citing MX$9 billion in upgrades to Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and improvements in Guadalajara and Monterrey. The train connection between Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and the capital will further facilitate mobility.