The 2026 FIFA World Cup generated an estimated 45 billion to 50 billion pesos in economic activity across Mexico through the first week of July, according to figures presented by Gabriela Cuevas, the Mexican government’s representative for the tournament.
Much of the economic activity was concentrated in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, the country’s three host cities. Hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and local businesses saw increased demand as domestic and international fans traveled for the tournament.
Mexico hosted 17 soccer matches, including playoff fixtures and World Cup games. The competition also delivered significant television audiences. According to the official review presented by Cuevas, national viewership records were broken four times during the tournament.
The Mexico-England match drew nearly 60 million viewers, making it the country’s most-watched soccer game of the 21st century, according to the figures cited in the report.
World Cup preparations also included investments and upgrades tied to infrastructure and cultural attractions. Archaeological sites and museums were renovated, while exhibitions and events highlighting Mexico’s traditional ball games were promoted during the tournament.
Tourism activity extended beyond the official host cities. Octavio de la Torre, president of Mexico’s Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism, said many international visitors added other destinations to their travel plans.
States including Oaxaca, Chiapas, Veracruz, Sonora, Tlaxcala and the State of Mexico reported higher visitor traffic. Accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, transportation services and sports merchandise businesses were among the sectors benefiting from the increased travel.
Despite Mexico’s elimination and the tournament entering its final stages, World Cup-related commercial activity is expected to continue as fans watch the remaining matches and visitors extend their stays.
For Mexico’s tourism and business sectors, the next challenge will be turning the international exposure generated by the tournament into repeat visits and longer-term economic opportunities.
Source: XEU
