With the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off tomorrow, all eyes are on the stadiums, the national teams, and the fans. However, behind this sporting event, one of the most important on the planet, lies a logistical operation that began years before the opening whistle and will test Mexico’s capacity to simultaneously move people, goods, and services .
For Bertha Martínez, coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in International Logistics at CETYS University Campus Mexicali , the World Cup does not begin on the day of the inauguration (June 11) but from the moment the host countries and cities undertake investments in infrastructure, modernization of stadiums, airports, roads, tourist services and urban mobility systems .
The logistics associated with this sporting event involve multiple supply chains operating in parallel. These include not only the transport of national and international fans, but also official merchandise, food, beverages, sports equipment, medical services, security, and waste management.
One of the biggest challenges will be the movement of people. The expert noted that Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is one of the main entry points for foreign visitors who will later travel to Guadalajara and Monterrey, which are also World Cup venues.
In an interview with T21, Martínez indicated that the operational capacity of airports and the coordination between authorities, airlines and transport services will be key to avoiding bottlenecks .
In that regard, he considered that the concern lies not only in the physical infrastructure, but also in the operational capacity of those who will manage large volumes of passengers in very short periods, given that the World Cup will last just over a month. Security, immigration, ground transportation, and visitor services will be under increased pressure.
With 13 matches scheduled in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, the country is expected to receive approximately 5.5 million visitors during the sporting event, according to estimates from the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) .
In terms of cargo, the World Cup also presents a significant challenge. “Balls, uniforms, souvenirs, promotional products, and official merchandise began being distributed months ago through international logistics networks . Most of these products are manufactured outside of Mexico and require efficient import, storage, and distribution processes to reach points of sale,” explained the logistics specialist.
Another key component is consumer logistics. Restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and retail stores increased their inventories of beverages, snacks, and high-demand products to meet the expected surge during the games.
“These are supply chains that began preparing from the end of 2025 to respond to the peak demand expected for June and July,” he explained.
Martínez Cisneros pointed out that health logistics are also part of the World Cup ecosystem. Hospitals, emergency services, and health authorities must be prepared to respond to any eventuality arising from the massive concentration of national and international visitors in the host cities.
Global cross-border
In the Cali-Baja region, the tournament takes on a particular dimension due to the economic and logistical integration between Baja California, Mexico, and California, United States.
“The proximity to cities like San Diego and Los Angeles opens up opportunities for the cross-border movement of tourists and consumers who will attend games held on U.S. soil,” he emphasized.
In this context, Tijuana could become a strategic hub for thousands of visitors seeking lodging and connectivity options. Border infrastructure , international crossings, and land routes will play a key role in capitalizing on the influx generated by the scheduled sporting events on the U.S. West Coast.
From the perspective of cross-border supply chains, the World Cup will also boost the movement of mass consumer goods.
“Food, beverage, and promotional item companies have been increasing production and strengthening inventories in both Mexico and the United States for months to meet the demand associated with the tournament,” explained Bertha Martínez.
According to estimates from the Monex Financial Group , based on information from the World Trade Organization (WTO) , the World Cup will have a significant economic impact in North America of approximately 23.25 billion dollars (USD), of which 4.05 billion USD will remain in Mexico with the hosting of 13 matches.
Beyond the sporting result, the main challenge for the country will be to demonstrate that it has the necessary logistical capacity to organize large-scale global events .
If the logistics chains respond efficiently, the biggest triumph could be recorded off the field: consolidating Mexico as a logistics platform capable of successfully operating one of the most complex events in the world.
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