Stadium renovations, transportation modernization and urban improvements paint a favorable scenario for American investment, as long as it manages to integrate into the local ecosystem.
During the first half of the year, foreign direct investment from the United States reached 14,703 million dollars, an increase of 7% compared to the same period in 2024, according to official data from the Ministry of Economy.
The growth in cultural, sports and recreational services stands out, which almost triples the flow registered the previous year. Investment in accommodation and food also increased 3%, while the construction sector has not yet recovered and shows an annual drop of 67%.
The key sectors
He technology sector appears as one of the great promises. Mexico foresees an annual growth of 7.5% in this industry until 2026. Monitoring systems, real-time data networks and cybersecurity platforms will be essential pieces to manage the logistics of millions of fans.
Companies with experience in Artificial Intelligence, predictive analytics and IoT devices, such as sensors and automation systems, will be able to offer solutions for stadiums and host cities.
The infrastructure It is also emerging as another front. More than 2 billion dollars will be allocated to transportation and urban development, in addition to 500 million to renovate stadiums. American companies with experience in sustainable construction and project management will be able to provide technology in energy efficiency, green materials and intelligent planning.
The Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry warned that the challenge will be monumental. Its president, Luis Méndez Jaled, proposed doubling public investment to reach one trillion pesos, equivalent to more than 53 billion dollars, which would increase spending on infrastructure from 2.5 to 4% of GDP.
The organization warned about the urban lags that persist in the three Mexican headquarters: Mexico City, Jalisco and Nuevo León. The main deficits are in drainage, mobility and tourist services. The World Cup, said Méndez Khaled, can trigger strategic projects, but it will also exhibit the lack of preparation if modernization is not accelerated.
He tourism will be another driving force, it is estimated that revenues will exceed 1,000 million dollars. Hotels, restaurants and digital travel agencies are already preparing for the arrival of millions of visitors. US companies offering hotel management systems or personalized experience design will find an eager market.
He entertainment will complete the equation, with concerts, fairs and festivals that will accompany the matches and generate new opportunities for firms specialized in logistics, sports marketing and audiovisual production. The global audience that will follow the Cup will offer an unprecedented showcase for American services.
He retail trade It will also receive a boost, as a substantial increase in demand for sporting goods, souvenirs and local crafts is expected. Companies dedicated to e-commerce and the supply chain will be able to partner with Mexican businesses to digitize processes and expand their coverage.
The challenges
But not everything is simple, the document from the United States Department of Commerce alerts its companies to the challenges. The Mexican regulatory framework requires local knowledge. Companies will have to rely on national allies to understand rules and procedures.
Also cultural sensitivity, which beyond courtesy, becomes a negotiation tool. Those who understand Mexican logic will be better positioned to capitalize on the situation.
The challenge of security is not left out either.
The Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, considers that the World represents the most important promotion for Mexico in decades. No other event has a comparable audience or a similar capacity for international projection. He recalled that the country already experienced this effect in 1970 and 1986, when millions of people learned about Mexico for the first time through soccer.
(The World Cup) is a great opportunity to compete against negative narratives, such as series about drug trafficking, and show the world what kind of country we really are.
Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy
Ebrard maintains that the impact will not be limited to the short term. A positive image, he said, translates into confidence and higher investment flows. Each renovated stadium, each completed work and each satisfied visitor will be part of a narrative that can strengthen the country brand.
The World Cup 2026 It will be the largest in history, with 104 games. Mexico will host 13 of them, including the opening at the Azteca Stadium. In the coming months, the shared border will once again be a meeting point, where the fields will become showcases and businesses, part of the game.
