Mexico hosted 13 of the 104 games in the 2026 World Cup but failed to meet official tourism targets or significantly boost its GDP, according to multiple reports [1, 2, 3]. Despite packed stadiums for matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, Mexico’s economy contracted by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2026 [1, 2, 3].

The Mexican government projects economic growth between 1.8% and 2.8% for 2026, while analysts forecast a more modest growth around 1.1% [1, 2, 3]. The IMF recently lowered the country’s growth forecast to 1.2%, down from 1.6% earlier in the year [1, 2, 3].

Banorte reduced its estimate of the World Cup’s contribution to Mexico’s GDP to between 0.4% and 0.5%, down from an earlier forecast of up to 0.62% [1, 2, 3]. Banamex calculated the total economic impact of the event in Mexico at around $2 billion, or roughly 0.1% of GDP, which is less than half the amount Mexico received in remittances in May 2026 alone [$5.6 billion] [1, 2, 3].

Deloitte projected the tournament generated 100,000 temporary jobs in Mexico, 10% fewer than previously estimated [1, 2, 3]. Household consumption fell 0.2% month-on-month in June 2026, with hotel spending dropping 10.5% and restaurant spending declining 4.9%, despite a 16.5% rise in entertainment spending, according to BBVA [1, 2, 3].

Economic benefits were uneven across host cities. Around half of restaurants in Mexico City underperformed due to low hotel occupancy and local protests. Passenger air traffic rose slightly in Guadalajara and Monterrey airports in June but declined at Mexico City’s main airport [1, 2, 3].

Companies held back investment amid uncertainty over the upcoming review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which also limited economic growth [1, 2, 3]. Humberto Calzada, chief economist at Rankia, said the World Cup "will not structurally change the trajectory of the Mexican economy" [1].

The World Cup concluded on July 17, 2026, ending Mexico’s hosting duties [1, 2]. The nation now awaits updated economic data to further assess the tournament’s lasting impact.