The celebration of the 2026 World Cup represents an economic opportunity for Mexico of three billion dollars (mdd) , the arrival of more than five million international visitors, and a positive impact on infrastructure, technology, tourism, consumption and energy.
According to the study “World Cup 2026: economic opportunity for Mexico and its sports venues”, prepared by KPMG Mexico , previous World Cups have generated significant income: in 2018, Russia obtained approximately 5.4 billion dollars, while in Qatar 2022 the figure increased to 7.6 billion dollars, boosting sectors such as infrastructure and tourism.
“This highlights the fact that a World Cup can be an engine of economic development and improve the country brand of the host venue,” said Guillermo Goñi, partner of Integration and Separation Advisory at KPMG Mexico.
The specialist specified that other sectors related to the development of technology and smart solutions will become essential when managing the event, according to the standards required by the body in charge of regulating this sport, which will expand the opportunities for firms specializing in transportation systems, data analysis and security.
In the area of consumption, the demand for local products and sporting goods will increase , creating fertile ground for establishing alliances in industries such as consumer goods and retail .
He believed that investments in sports and urban infrastructure would yield benefits extending far beyond the matches themselves . However, behind the activity at sports venues, airports, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers, electricity will be essential to maintain the lighting, climate control, security systems, broadcasts, digital payments, communications, and services used by both visitors and residents during this period of high activity.
He explained that data from the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (Conuee) indicates that electricity represents 27% of residential consumption in Mexico, primarily due to the use of refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioning units. In an event that mobilizes millions of people and captures the attention of audiences both within and outside the country, any interruption in the power supply could affect commercial activities, services, and the experience of those following each match .
Fernando Velasco, general director of Generac Mexico , stressed that the challenge extends to practically all the spaces where activity around football will take place.
“This major sporting event will test Mexico’s energy capacity at all levels. It’s not just about the big stadiums, but about every field, sports venue, or space where football will be played,” he emphasized.
The significance of this international sporting event extends far beyond what happens on the field. According to KPMG, maintaining a reliable power supply will be crucial for sports venues, hotels, restaurants, and businesses to operate normally during those weeks.
Lighting, sound, security, climate control, and broadcasts all depend on uninterrupted power to function smoothly. A power outage not only affects the operation of a building, but can also impact the experience of thousands of people and the image of cities that will be under global scrutiny.
“The experience gained in this type of facility takes on special relevance with the arrival of a global event,” Velasco added.
The challenge, he indicated, will be even greater because this period of intense sporting activity will coincide with the rainy and hurricane season , a time when power outages tend to increase in various regions of the country. Having backup power will help keep operations running and protect both the investment and the experience of the attendees.
“Strengthening the continuity of operations, protecting the reputation of the venues and businesses, and having an energy infrastructure prepared to respond in critical moments will be key factors not only during the busiest weeks, but also for the development of the venues and activities that will continue to generate value in the coming years,” he concluded.
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