The 2026 World Cup: Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses

On June 11, 2026, the iconic Estadio Azteca will once again become the center of global football. Mexico is making history as the only country to host the FIFA World Cup for a third time, this time alongside the United States and Canada. With 104 matches across North America and 13 games in Mexico, the event promises not only excitement, but also a major test for Mexico’s infrastructure, sustainability, and business landscape.

Mexico’s host cities, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, will each play a pivotal role. Following the opening match at Estadio Azteca on June 11, games will be held on June 17, 24, 30, and July 5. Guadalajara will host six matches, including Mexico’s second group game on June 18, while Monterrey will stage four encounters between June 14 and June 29.

Infrastructure Investments With Long-Term Legacy

Mexico City has announced more than 30 infrastructure and mobility projects surrounding Estadio Azteca (recently renamed Estadio Banorte). These include the modernization of the Tren Ligero (to be renamed Tren Ajolote), new bike stations, expanded trolleybus routes, upgraded water systems, and modern, self-cleaning public restrooms similar to those in Paris and Tokyo.

The capital is also improving its main transportation hubs, Taxqueña, Universidad, and Huipulco, and building a pedestrian skyway along Calzada de Tlalpan that will connect the city center to the southern periphery, improving both safety and accessibility.

In Guadalajara, the focus is on long-term connectivity. The new Line 4 of the Light Rail and Line 5 of the electromobility system will connect the airport with Estadio Guadalajara (also known as Estadio Akron). Additional works include an electric train between Paseo Chivas and the stadium, plus major upgrades to the Chapala highway, now featuring six lanes, bike paths, and enhanced lighting.

Authorities estimate that around 3 million visitors will come to Jalisco during the World Cup, on top of the state’s regular 34 million annual tourists, reinforcing its position as one of Mexico’s strongest tourism economies.

Monterrey, however, is where the largest infrastructure transformation is underway. The city is developing two new Metro lines connecting directly to the Monterrey International Airport, along with a full renovation of Line 1, which will feature new trains and expanded stations to improve access to Estadio BBVA.

Local authorities have also announced the addition of over 4,000 new buses, 500 bus stops, and new pedestrian bridges in critical corridors such as Constitución and Morones Prieto. These upgrades are complemented by improvements in smart traffic systems and drainage infrastructure to mitigate flooding,  a recurring challenge during summer months

A Sustainability Challenge on a Massive Scale

The 2026 World Cup will be historic not only for its size, but also for its environmental footprint. The flights alone between Mexico, the United States, and Canada are expected to generate over 7.7 million tons of CO₂, setting a record for a sporting event.

Álvaro Zavala, director of partnerships and sponsorships at México por el Clima, warned that this carbon output could worsen air quality and even offset gains in drought recovery, especially in regions like Nuevo Leon.

Air pollution is something we live with daily, and obviously more people, more transport, and plastic waste will also pose a significant challenge. Despite a growing interest in recycling and circular production, the high costs of using recycled materials continue to limit adoption in many industries. 

Still, innovation is emerging. The Guadalajara International Airport, for example, is using a special paint that absorbs carbon and releases oxygen — a small but symbolic example of how sustainability can be integrated into major infrastructure.

Business Opportunities Beyond the Stadiums

The Mexican Football Federation estimates that the World Cup will attract an additional 5.5 million tourists to Mexico between June and July 2026. This influx represents a major opportunity for key industries:

Hospitality and tourism: Hotels and rental platforms must scale up bilingual services, logistics coordination, and pricing systems for international demand.

Food and beverage: Restaurants can win big by adopting bilingual menus, tech-enabled reservation systems, and English-speaking staff, ensuring smoother experiences for foreign visitors.

Culture and entertainment: Local governments and creative industries can leverage global attention to promote Mexican art, music, film, and gastronomy through curated experiences.

Beyond tourism, the World Cup offers a stage for corporate engagement. Companies can use the event to host networking activities, reward programs, and immersive hospitality experiences for their clients and partners.

In that spirit, we are developing SportsMakers, a new project that redefines how companies and audiences connect through sports. Our goal is to design a new generation of brand experiences around the World Cup and other major sporting events, combining viewing parties, live activations, jersey collaborations, and curated networking spaces. With this, we aim to create authentic emotional connections where brands engage with people through hospitality, entertainment, and shared passion, transforming major tournaments into platforms for community and meaningful engagement.

These are not just events, they’re community-building opportunities, where companies can strengthen relationships and grow visibility in authentic, human ways.

The World Cup as a Business Catalyst

The 2026 World Cup represents more than a football celebration, it’s an economic and innovation catalyst for Mexico. Infrastructure investments, private partnerships, and the growth of sustainable practices will leave a tangible impact on cities and industries alike.

The challenge will be ensuring that these efforts are not temporary fixes but rather long-term transformations in how Mexico approaches urban development, sustainability, and business strategy.

The World Cup will unite millions of fans, but its true legacy will depend on whether Mexican companies seize this moment to innovate, connect, and lead. The ball is already rolling, and the next great match might just be in business.