The 2026 FIFA World Cup could funnel up to 10 billion pesos (US $578 million) to small businesses in Mexico, based on projections by the National Alliance of Small Businesses (ANPEC) on how much families will spend in small shops, restaurants and local businesses during the tournament.
According to ANPEC, some 14% of the total economic impact from the World Cup could stay in local businesses of “maximum proximity,” meaning small shops, convenience stores, small restaurants, taco stands, fondas and more.
Deloitte report: Mexico’s economic benefits from hosting World Cup could reach US $2.73B
The economic impact for these businesses will mostly be concentrated in the sale of prepared foods, beverages (water, soft drinks and beer) and groceries, which together could represent up to 90% of recurring consumer purchases.
According to ANPEC, these are the five products that are expected to top sales:
- Abarrotes or small grocery stores are projected to bring in 30% of sales, amounting to 2.5 billion pesos ($144.5 million).
- Beer alone is expected to represent 25% of small businesses’ sales, totaling 2.125 billion pesos ($122.8 million).
- Food establishments, including taquerías, pizzerías, chicken shops, snack stands and takeaway food, will also account for 25% of sales.
- The sale of prepared drinks by the liter, along with beers, spirits and liquors, is expected to account for 10% of sales, equivalent to 850 million pesos ($49.1 million).
- Souvenirs, such as T-shirts, flags, soccer balls and more, are also expected to represent 10% of sales.
Finally, ANPEC projected that the estimated cost for a gathering of 10 people would be approximately 3,000 pesos ($172), including snacks, soft drinks, beer, water and prepared foods such as wings, pizzas, hot dogs or hamburgers.
“At ANPEC, we believe that the World Cup should become an opportunity to boost local consumption, strengthen small businesses and recognize the strategic role they play in generating employment, economic activity and social cohesion,” the organization said.
Overall, the economic impact in Mexico from hosting the World Cup could amount to $2.73 billion in added value throughout the country.
With reports from Publimetro and El Financiero
