Mexico City alone welcomed 1.1 million tourists and generated more than $1.3 billion during the tournament.
MEXICO — Mexico concluded its role as a host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Round of 16 match between Mexico and England, closing a historic tournament that generated billions in economic activity and attracted more than one million visitors to the country’s capital.
Although England defeated Mexico 3-2 to advance to the quarterfinals, the final match played on Mexican soil marked the end of a successful World Cup for the country, which became the first nation in history to host matches in three men’s FIFA World Cups, following the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
President Claudia Sheinbaum praised both Mexico’s national team and the country’s performance as a host.
“We should all be very proud of the national team and of how Mexico welcomed the world,” Sheinbaum said, describing the tournament as a moment of “pride, hope and unity.”
Mexico co-hosted the expanded 48-team tournament alongside the United States and Canada. The cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey staged a combined 13 matches, including the tournament opener at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The World Cup also produced significant economic benefits.
According to the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism, Mexico City generated more than $1.3 billion in economic activity and welcomed approximately 1.1 million tourists during the tournament. Spending at Estadio Azteca alone averaged about $2.5 million in beer sales per match.
The tournament also set attendance records during the group stage, drawing 4.6 million spectators worldwide with stadium occupancy approaching full capacity.
A broader analysis by The Competitive Intelligence Unit (The CIU) estimates the World Cup will generate approximately $2.57 billion in economic benefits across Mexico’s three host cities and create about 105,000 jobs, particularly in the hospitality sector.
According to CIU Market Analysis Director Gonzalo Rojón, the tournament is expected to contribute an additional 0.13% to Mexico’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Despite the celebration, authorities also reported four fatalities during public festivities following Mexico’s victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32, where an estimated 1.4 million fans gathered at Mexico City’s Ángel de la Independencia monument.
