Economic Projections and Investments by the Mexican Government
Mexico’s government officials, from Los Pinos in Mexico City, boast a potential economic impact of up to $3 billion during the 2026 World Cup. However, this does not translate to a significant benefit for the average Mexican citizen.
Cost of Attending Matches
The estimated cost for attending at least one match ranges from 38,000 to 69,000 Mexican pesos (approximately $1,800 to $3,800 USD) per person. Watching three live matches would cost the same as ten basic necessity bundles for a family of four, according to Kueski, a digital consumer credit platform.
A full World Cup 2026 trip will be 10% to 20% more expensive than the 2014 Brazil World Cup, but cheaper than Qatar 2022 due to geographical proximity. However, global inflation, rising flight costs, and the tournament’s expansion make it one of the most expensive sporting events in history.
Government Investments
The federal government is investing $489 million USD in upgrading the Santa Lucía airport, located about 50 kilometers from Mexico City. Mikel Arriola, commissioner of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), stated that during the World Cup, Mexico’s economic activity will grow by 235%, which is four times more than a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Key Figures and Statistics
- $1.8 billion to $3 billion: Estimated economic impact of the World Cup in Mexico (GovMéx projection).
- $7.5 billion: Revenue generated by the 2022 Qatar World Cup, according to FIFA figures.
- 5.5 million visitors expected in Mexico.
- 235%: Projected growth in Mexico’s economic activity during the World Cup, four times more than a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
- $815 million USD: Investment in infrastructure in Mexico, primarily from the football sector, including $500 million from Liga MX clubs for stadium modernization (Mikel Arriola’s figures).
- 24,000 jobs: To be created by the World Cup in Mexico.
- $180 per night: Estimated hotel cost with a 70% occupancy rate during the five matches in Mexico City (Association of Hotels in Mexico City estimation).
- 13 matches: Distributed across three cities—Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.
- 18 additional sports venues: Prepared as training sites, in addition to the stadiums hosting matches.
- 66 training center options: Prepared across Mexico, the USA, and Canada.
- 104 matches: Held over 39 days with the participation of 48 national teams.
- Over 800,000 fans: To be accommodated in Mexico’s three stadiums (Guadalajara, MTY, and Mexico City).
- 600 million television viewers: Estimated in Mexico for the World Cup.
