Businesses across Mexico are eagerly awaiting the kick off of the 2026 FIFA World Cup which they hope will bring an influx of visitors and stronger consumer spending as experts say the event could also leave a lasting legacy through infrastructure upgrades and increased investment.
The tournament, which features a record 48 teams and is being hosted by three countries for the first time, is set to open on Thursday and run through July 19.
Mexico is one of the hosts alongside the United States and Canada, with the country staging 13 matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
In Mexico City, industries from hospitality and catering to transportation and retail are preparing to benefit from the global sporting event, as football fans from around the world descend on the city.
Many visitors will be looking to enjoy a bite of Mexico's famous food, including the country's much-loved tacos.
With taco stands found on nearly every street, the snack is seen as a staple of daily life, and vendors are hoping the economic impact of the World Cup will bring a welcome boost, with more customers and better business prospects.
"We hope our income can increase by 50 percent during the World Cup. We hope it can attract more tourists, so that everyone can benefit from it," said taco vendor Ricardo Reyes.
Across Mexico, many others share similar expectations as the country prepares to co-host the tournament.
According to a report jointly released by FIFA and the World Trade Organization, the 2026 World Cup is expected to generate over 80 billion U.S. dollars in global economic output.
For host countries, these gains are expected to be reflected in tourist spending and transmitted to local economies through sectors such as tourism, catering, transportation and retail.
"One week before the opening of the World Cup, room rates at our hotel have already risen to between 4,000 and 5,000 pesos (around 1,800 to 2,250 U.S. dollars) per night," said Serena Diaz, a local hotel manager.
While the tournament is expected to boost consumption in the short term, some experts believe its longer-term impact may prove even more important for Mexico.
Roberto Montalvo, a professor at the Business School of Ibero-American University in Mexico City, said the country stands to benefit from the lasting improvements associated with the event.
"As one of the major legacies of this tournament, infrastructure such as airports is being upgraded and modernized. These projects will ultimately become long-term assets left behind by the World Cup. I hope the projects currently being planned and implemented can genuinely improve urban transportation, enhance the country's image and attract more investors. More importantly, I hope these investments can be translated into economic development and ultimately benefit everyone living in this country," Montalvo said.
Mexican business owners hope for economic boost as FIFA World Cup nears
