Mexico's Host Cities for 2026 World Cup Will Suffer More Economic Losses Than Benefits
mexicosolidarity.com
12 billion USD in infrastructure investment for an economic impact of 3 billion USD. Meanwhile an opaque agreement with FIFA means big tax breaks for FIFA & foreign corporations.

This article by Juan Antonio Dávalos originally appeared in the June 3, 2026 edition of ESTO.

The cities of Mexico City , Guadalajara, and Monterrey will suffer a significant economic loss during the World Cup, as their infrastructure investment exceeds, by four times, the economic benefit they will receive from the FIFA-organized event.

According to the Commissioner of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), Mikel Arriola, the world event will leave an economic impact of 3 billion dollars, while 12 billion dollars were invested.

He noted that the revenue the cities will receive represents 235 percent more than that generated by other events such as Formula 1, and that “the creation of 24,000 direct and indirect jobs is projected. A 44% increase in the number of international visitors is estimated for June and July of 2026,” he said.

“The cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, top-tier venues, are ready to welcome the world. We are talking about a global investment, basically in infrastructure, of around 12 billion dollars; we expect an economic impact of more than 3 billion dollars,” he added.

During the World Football Summit Mexico City 2026, Arriola pointed out that FIFA’s projected revenues are expected to surpass those of the most recent World Cups. ” FIFA projects revenues of $11 billion in its economic cycle with this World Cup, which is almost double that of Brazil, 80% more than Russia, and 70% more than Qatar 2022. The tourism sector could generate around $1 billion in additional revenue,” he added.

Regarding the Mexican national team, he noted that 12 players currently on the squad play in Liga MX , “which demonstrates the competitive level of the tournament.” He also mentioned that Gilberto Mora will be the youngest player at the World Cup, as he will be 17 years old.

“For Mexican football, it is essential to have a league like the one we have, and even better, a league that delivers results… this third Copa at home is also our eighth consecutive participation in World Cups, which reflects commitment and consistency.”

He noted that the World Cup will be the biggest in the history of the tournament with the participation of 48 teams and a total of 104 matches, and that the opening match between Mexico and South Africa is expected to be the most watched in history.

“It is estimated that 6 million people will watch this time. From a sporting perspective, the Mexican national team has had 73% more preparation time than the other teams. The entire training camp will last 5.5 weeks, 50% more preparation matches than the rest of the world. We are ready to have a great World Cup,” he concluded.

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