Cancun Business Leaders Say 2026 World Cup Has Not Boosted Local Economy

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The 2026 FIFA World Cup has failed to generate any economic boost for local businesses in Cancún, according to the president of the Mexican Association of Women Entrepreneurs (Amexme) in the city.

Liliana Montiel Cruz said the lack of dynamism is worrying, as businesses have been operating at low levels since the start of the year. Although Cancún International Airport serves as a gateway for World Cup host cities, Montiel noted that visitors are only passing through, and those who stay remain in hotels, offering little benefit to small businesses.

“We haven’t detected any advertising campaigns about the event or an integrated strategy that includes or positions us, leaving tourism service businesses, restaurants, and small hotels in a situation of uncertainty,” Montiel said.

She added that current business activity is well below last year’s levels, consolidating a slowdown in the region. Amexme plans to conduct an analysis at its next meeting to evaluate how the first half of the year ended.

Montiel also said she does not expect a successful summer season, as the World Cup could cause a significant drop in traveler flow. “I hope I’m wrong, but the trend points in that direction,” she said.