In the first half of 2026, the performance of logistics chains showed signs of recovery and growth, driven mainly by domestic consumption and the favorable expectations generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as noted by Diego Casares Zambrano, Warehouse and Commercial Manager of Work One Solutions , a company specializing in comprehensive logistics solutions in North America.

According to Casares, in 2025 commercial and economic uncertainty caused various productive sectors to remain cautious in their operations ; however, so far this year there is a greater willingness to invest and develop new projects, which has resulted in a positive first half of 2026 for the company.

One of the sectors that has driven logistics activity during this period has been consumption. In an interview with T21, he explained that the increased demand for products related to the World Cup has generated greater movement of goods in import, storage, and distribution processes within the country.

This dynamism has been particularly evident in categories such as household appliances, electronics, and clothing . For logistics companies, this has meant greater operational capacity requirements in distribution centers and ground transportation.

Although a moderation in consumption is expected during the second half of the year, Casares Zambrano considered that the flow of tourists and goods generated by the World Cup held between Mexico, the United States and Canada will continue to boost regional logistics activity.

According to the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) , the 2026 World Cup will attract 5.5 million visitors and generate an economic impact of more than 60 billion pesos (mdp), which will increase the demand for logistics, transportation and distribution services in Mexico.

Beyond consumption, the sector’s focus is on strategic industries such as automotive and export manufacturing . These segments remain pillars of Mexican logistics due to their close relationship with the U.S. market and the need for efficient cross-border operations.

According to the executive, increased US consumption could translate into greater demand for Mexican exports, especially in the automotive sector. This would strengthen transportation, warehousing, and customs services related to foreign trade

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) , in the period  January-May 2026, 1,388,236 light vehicles were sent abroad , which meant an increase of 4% compared to the same period last year.

However, much of the growth outlook hinges on the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) . Casares noted that the industry needs long-term certainty so that projects currently under analysis and pricing can materialize into concrete investments in the coming months.

The combination of a more dynamic domestic market, greater regional integration, and a stable trading environment will be the foundation for a strong finish to 2026 and a favorable start to 2027. In this scenario, logistics chains will continue to play a strategic role in connecting production, trade, and consumption in North America .

“We are closing the first half of 2026 with the conviction that major logistics projects reflect business confidence,” concluded Diego Casares.

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El cargo Global and domestic consumption drive the storage and distribution of goods in Mexico apareció primero en T21.

One week after the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the expectation of a greater influx of passengers at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has not yet materialized, despite the fact that this infrastructure was the subject of various modernization works, whose total investment will be 10 billion pesos (mdp) .

During a tour conducted by T21 at both terminals of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), no crowds or significant increase in the presence of domestic or international tourists related to the World Cup were observed. The corridors, check-in areas, waiting rooms, and commercial establishments showed moderate activity, far from the high occupancy that some sectors had anticipated for this time of year.

The situation was also reflected in the two Fan Fest areas set up inside Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to offer passengers the chance to follow the tournament matches while waiting for their flights. Although they had screens for broadcasting the games and areas for socializing, the number of fans was limited . The country’s main airport lacked the usual excitement that accompanies an event of this magnitude.

Admiral Juan José Padilla Olmos, general director of the AICM, told this media outlet that passenger traffic has remained at an average of 115,000 to 120,000 daily users .

“There’s a constant trend, and the day we had the fewest passengers, for natural reasons, was the inauguration day. We handle 125,000 daily. Growth has been very slight; there hasn’t been the increase we expected. Studies projected six million passengers, not all for Mexico City International Airport (AICM), but distributed among Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Cancún. We expected an increase of 400,000 to 500,000 passengers per month starting in May. We have an average of 3.5 or 3.6 million passengers per month, and we thought we would be close to four million. We’ll probably reach that number this month,” he explained.

However, he stressed that the AICM has the capacity to handle a high influx of passengers , since in phase one works were carried out to improve the comfort and experience of the user, as well as the use of new technology, something that had not been done in the last 15 years, among other works that increased the planned budget.

“We started with a project of eight billion five hundred million pesos and with unforeseen events such as collapsed drainage systems, improvements to lightning rod systems, camera equipment, we are now at over 10 billion pesos that will be completed in phase 2, and which will be finished in December 2026,” he specified.

He highlighted that more than 30,000 square meters were recovered, which will structurally benefit the passenger more, complying with the standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) .

In turn, Captain Arturo Flores Melgoza, coordinator of the remodeling, indicated that these works were carried out in just over a year with the airport’s own resources .

He detailed that among the actions carried out were the expansion of spaces for taxis, the installation of new surveillance cameras, document validators, scanners and new technology that allows speeding up the crossing of a filter, as well as the renewal of baggage carousels and parking lots.

Similarly, a new internet service was installed for passenger use , in addition to the recovery of spaces, an increase in migration modules, information screens, relocation of businesses, to mention a few.

Padilla Olmos indicated that the entire drainage system still needs updating , a third parking building needs to be built at Terminal 2, the inspection filters need to be renovated, the contact rooms at Terminal 1 need to be expanded, the flow separation system and roadways need to be improved, among other actions that will begin next August.

“Maintenance of the taxiways and aprons has not been neglected; it has been constant and ongoing. There isn’t an opportunity for another runway; we have enough for the 46 slots (takeoff and landing times) we have. We still need to attend to the runways year after year with the maintenance that is done. They aren’t potholes, but there are deformations due to natural subsidence,” he explained.

Regarding the possible construction of Terminal 3, Padilla considered that “it is very risky to give an opinion,” although he mentioned that once the second phase of remodeling is completed, a study on the subject could be carried out through the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) and the Mexican Air Navigation Services (Seneam) .

“This is an issue that requires thorough analysis, a meeting of many knowledgeable people, an interdisciplinary committee that understands air traffic, road infrastructure, and where to relocate the infrastructure. Giving an opinion is very risky,” he emphasize.

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El cargo The World Cup has yet to “take off” at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). apareció primero en T21.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 11, with Mexico as one of the three host countries. The world’s biggest sporting event comes just as our supply chain faces its most demanding test in years: the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) . 

Behind every match lies a massive logistical operation across the three host cities in our country, driven by the peak demand, concentrated consumption, and population movement that each game represents. The stadiums and various fan festivals , as well as a large number of restaurants, bars, and hotels, will require constant, simultaneous, and error-free supplies, which, multiplied by the number of events, will have a considerable cumulative effect. 

Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey announced their mobility plans, which include multiple road closures with exclusive corridors, security perimeters, and last-mile zones designed to prioritize mass transportation for soccer fans. This will force dozens of producers and distributors in Mexico to reconfigure their usual routes , adding extra pressure to businesses for several weeks. 

The problem is that the infrastructure was already at its limit.

The World Cup arrives when our supply chain was already operating under maximum pressure . That same infrastructure must now simultaneously absorb the highest export volume in its history (we remained the top U.S. trading partner, with international manufacturing sales at record levels) and the pressure of an event that will bring more than five million international visitors. 

In addition to increased urban mobility, the surge in consumption, distribution, and transportation of goods during the World Cup will likely raise the risks of theft and losses for retailers , carriers, and supply chains. Furthermore, highway congestion, downtime, and unsafe stops could become critical issues just as Mexico seeks to solidify its position as a regional logistics hub.

An additional challenge that few companies are considering 

Exporting companies operating in the three markets must navigate three different customs regulatory systems (CBP in the United States, CBSA in Canada and ANAM in Mexico) with their own documentary requirements, tariff classifications and clearance times. 

This means that a misclassification, an incomplete invoice, or an inconsistency in documentation can not only cause delays but also halt a shipment at the worst possible time. Therefore, companies with real-time visibility of their supply chain, planned alternative routes, and suppliers available to respond to peak demand will have an advantage that extends far beyond the World Cup. Because the ability to operate under extraordinary pressure is precisely what the USMCA will demand of Mexican supply chains going forward. 

Undoubtedly, these next couple of months will be a real demonstration of how prepared companies in Mexico and their supply chains are to manage modern complexity.

On the field and in the supply chain, the difference is made by whoever arrives best prepared . 

We invite you to read Paulina’s latest contribution:  Mexico produces for North America; it needs to move at the pace it demands .

*Paulina Aguilar is currently co-founder and CRO of  Mundi .

Comment and follow  Paulina on LinkedIn .

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El cargo The supply chain also plays a role in the World Cup apareció primero en T21.

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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El cargo 2026 World Cup: Mexican logistics enter the most demanding match apareció primero en T21.

The rapid growth of e-commerce in Mexico continues to test the country’s logistical capacity, especially during periods of high demand such as Hot Sale and the 2026 World Cup , which this year coincide with other commercial and holiday campaigns.

According to Antonio Torres, CEO of Lievant , the national logistics infrastructure is still not progressing at the same pace as e-commerce, which maintains growth rates close to 20% annually.

“The logistics infrastructure is definitely not keeping pace with the growth of e-commerce , and it’s unlikely to ever do so. We’ve been growing at rates of 20% and above for several years now, and this year it’s estimated that we’ll be close to 20% again. So, there’s simply no infrastructure that can keep up,” he stated.

According to the executive, during Hot Sale days, last mile orders increase between 40% and 50% per day compared to a normal month, a situation that generates saturation in both fulfillment centers and delivery networks.

As a result, major marketplaces have had to extend their delivery times.

“Amazon and Mercado Libre typically double their delivery times during this season. That slightly affects user satisfaction,” he commented.

Unlike previous years, Torres pointed out that in 2026 the Hot Sale promotions are combined with the World Cup, the commercial campaigns of self-service and department stores, as well as purchases related to Father’s Day.

“We recommend that our customers view it all as one big season that could last until the end of June,” he said.

While it anticipates a moderation in order volume after the Hot Sale (which ended on June 2), it believes that demand will remain high for several weeks due to the interest generated by the World Cup.

The last mile presents the greatest challenges

For Lievant, the most pressured link in the logistics chain remains the last mile, which currently represents about 50% of the total cost of delivering a product to the end consumer.

“When you have an event like Hot Sale, there isn’t enough transportation, independent delivery drivers, and logistics companies to deliver that last mile,” he explained.

He also noted that the costs of this stage have increased by about 15% in the last 12 months due to the increase in fuel, wages and other operating factors.

“These costs have ended up being absorbed by the business, in the best-case scenario, or in the worst-case scenario the end consumer ends up paying an extra fee for the delivery of their product,” he added.

Given this scenario, the CEO of Lievant recommended that companies rely on specialized logistics centers and take advantage of the fulfillment infrastructure of large marketplaces for high-turnover products.

However, he acknowledged that keeping delivery promises has become increasingly difficult.

“I can tell you openly that it is very complicated because the logistics infrastructure of even the largest marketplaces is not keeping pace with the growth of e-commerce ,” he said.

Despite this, he considered that during promotional seasons Mexican consumers prioritize other factors over delivery speed .

“If you were to ask me what the first obstacle is for a user to buy from your online store, today it won’t be the delivery time, but the promotion you have,” he explained.

Reverse logistics also increases the pressure

Another effect of peak demand is the increase in returns and refunds.

According to Torres, in categories such as fashion, returns usually represent between 8% and 15% of sales, a percentage that can increase to 50% during high-demand campaigns.

“Reverse logistics costs three times more than initial logistics,” he warned.

Therefore, he recommended that companies consider a significant increase in these costs in their financial planning.

Domestic challenges are compounded by those related to cross-border e-commerce.

Torres indicated that during 2025 more than 30% of e-commerce sales in Mexico came from cross-border operations , mainly from China and the United States.

“When you’re talking about 30% of the product sold coming from abroad, then you have a very significant challenge at the customs level,” he stressed.

However, he explained that regulatory changes and new tariffs have begun to modify this dynamic, gradually favoring a greater share of domestic trade.

Automation advances

Regarding technological adoption, the executive acknowledged progress in automation within Mexican logistics centers , although he considered that the pace is still lower than that observed in the United States.

“Automation will help you with errors and will help you reduce costs. It’s just that in Mexico it’s a little slower,” he commented.

He attributed this difference to the lower labor costs that still exist in the country, which reduces the economic urgency to replace manual processes.

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El cargo Peak seasons put pressure on a logistics infrastructure that is already operating at its limit: Lievant apareció primero en T21.

The merger between Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) and Cross Border Xpress (CBX)  is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, bringing more national and international connectivity to the Tijuana airport in Baja California, as well as development and economic impact in the region.

Without giving details of the process, Jorge Goytortúa, CEO of CBX, explained that although there was already a direct relationship with the Tijuana airport, the union of both companies will also allow for greater efficiency and joint growth.

“The investments made in both Tijuana and San Diego should be linked to a common goal. GAP saw it that way, as they seek to expand their international presence and proposed this merger. We share partners, and it made perfect sense. Therefore, the authorization process to complete this merger has begun , and we expect to announce the closing of the transaction in the coming weeks,” he said in an interview with T21.

It is worth remembering that in December of last year, GAP reported that its shareholders approved the combination of CBX’s business and the provision of technical assistance and technology transfer services through the merger of various entities that include, among others, Aeropuertos Mexicanos del Pacífico.

“Our shareholders’ approval of the integration marks a fundamental milestone in our vision to take GAP to a new level of development,” the group stated at the time.

The CBX, Goytortúa added, has been a traffic trigger for the Tijuana International Airport, operated by GAP, as it developed new traffic, going from 4.8 million users to 13 million , tripling the number of seats, as well as from 18 to 40 national and international routes.

“It has been a catalyst for traffic in Tijuana, so an efficient and well-connected airport brings development and economic impact to the region. The CBX generates an economic impact of $1.5 billion a year; it has been very important for the supply chain, allowing companies to locate in the city and complement the airport’s offerings,” he emphasized.

Regarding investments for 2026, the executive mentioned that they will only focus on maintenance and expansions for the parking lot, as it will depend on the merger with GAP.

“We continue working on business plans for various projects, such as the car rental building and the hotel, among others. We remain focused on investing in infrastructure for the development of CBX and the region,” he stated.

Currently, the CBX has technology that allows U.S. passengers to be processed more efficiently and securely in the immigration area, providing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with the necessary information, similar to the Global Entry system used in some airports. He explained that this tool is currently only used for residents, although it will soon be available to other users.

He specified that in the last two years they have registered moderate growth ; only in 2025 did it increase by 1% due to the impact of the drop in seats that the Tijuana airport has had, derived from the problems in the Pratt & Whitney engines for Volaris and Viva Aerobus , which have grounded several planes, as well as the diversification of some routes.

“That impacted us, however, we are coming into this year with a recovery and growth expectation of around 6%, and a security event that occurred that shows a drop of 17% in March compared to last year,” he indicated.

He noted that the expected year-end growth is 3% , but this will depend on the market recovery for the country’s tourist destinations. During 2025, they recorded four million users, while in the first quarter of 2026 they are 7% below year-on-year figures, but they aim to close the year with 4.2 million users.

Jorge Goytortúa indicated that they are also looking for an increase in passengers during the 2026 World Cup . “It could generate more traffic for us. However, there is a reduction in available seats at the Tijuana airport, in addition to security concerns. Fuel prices are causing airlines to ration their capacity, but we see a 15% recovery in July and we expect that to continue.”

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El cargo GAP-CBX merger would boost connectivity at Tijuana airport apareció primero en T21.

Mass events like the World Cup not only boost demand for products and services linked to e-commerce, but also open the door to greater exposure to digital attacks that can compromise entire logistics operations .

This was warned by Fidel Delgado , a technology and cybersecurity specialist at Salles Sainz Grant Thornton , who pointed out that the impact begins from the first link in the supply chain at the moment the user makes an online request.

“We are going to have a dangerous combination: high demand, operational urgency, and a brutal amount of bots and artificial intelligence generating fake or automated requests,” he explained.

Delgado emphasized that during events like the World Cup, attempts to automate purchases using bots increase , particularly for tickets, experiences, and high-demand products . This can lead to what are technically known as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks , where the server is overwhelmed by massive requests.

He recalled the recent case of ticket sales for an international match in Mexico, where the platform crashed due to demand, forcing the process to be temporarily suspended.

“The problem is not just that the system will crash; the biggest risk is that purchases will be made that cannot be fulfilled later,” he warned.

A supply chain with less predictability

Unlike other events, the next World Cup will take place in three countries, Mexico, the United States and Canada ; with different geopolitical, economic and social contexts, which complicates demand prediction models.

“Logistics planning is based on historical data and consumption cycles. But the current environment is completely different from what it was four years ago,” Delgado explained.

This creates greater uncertainty regarding inventory levels, maximum and minimum stock levels, warehouse capacity, and infrastructure availability. In the case of e-commerce , the pressure for immediate deliveries also increases operational risk.

“Today’s consumer wants to know when their product arrives and where it is at all times. If you don’t have traceability and real capacity, the promise becomes a vulnerability,” he noted.

One of the main risks identified is the prioritization of speed over safety .

Delgado explained that under agile development schemes, companies can implement rapid changes on digital platforms to respond to demand, but omit critical security testing in code and in dynamic environments.

“When there’s an emergency, systems are brought online without sufficient stress testing. A mistake in an update or a poorly coordinated patch can bring the entire operation to a standstill,” he said.

While the specialist acknowledged that there is greater investment in technology, he warned that many companies still see infrastructure as an expense and not as a strategic investment .

“The problem isn’t just having servers, but knowing if they can handle peak demand. How many simultaneous users can you serve? Do you have alternative infrastructure? Are your systems and firmware up to date ?” he asked.

Furthermore, he emphasized that logistics is increasingly dependent on digital systems such as sales platforms, tracking, inventory management, QR codes, and electronic payments. A disruption could halt deliveries, affect flights, block access, or compromise sensitive data.

To address the World Cup scenario, Delgado emphasized three fundamental pillars : constant support and return points, business continuity plans, and disaster recovery plans.

“No one can eliminate risk. What you can do is minimize it and know how long it takes to recover if something goes wrong,” he said.

The specialist recommended conducting business impact analyses, server stress tests, system crash simulations, and responsibility matrices to avoid dependence on a single key person.

“The most important thing is to test the plans before the event. If they aren’t tested, people will panic on the day of the incident. If they’ve already rehearsed, they know what to do,” he emphasized.

With the expectation of a significant increase in digital consumption, bookings and international mobility, the World Cup will not only be a sporting and commercial challenge, but also a test of technological resilience for the logistics sector.

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El cargo The World Cup will test logistical and digital resilience in the face of a wave of cyberattacks apareció primero en T21.