The 2026 FIFA World Cup: A Digital Catalyst for Mexico’s MSMEs

Introduction

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than just a global sporting event; it is an opportunity for Mexico’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to undergo a significant digital transformation. With an anticipated arrival of 5.5 million international visitors, small businesses are now presented with an unprecedented economic opportunity—one that is prompting a shift in payment methods toward digital adoption.

The Imperative for Digital Payment Systems

Despite a noticeable increase in digital payment usage, data from the National Survey of Business Financing indicates that only 54% of Mexican MSMEs currently accept card payments. This gap in digital infrastructure poses a significant risk during the World Cup, as international tourists, more accustomed to cashless transactions, will likely steer away from establishments that do not accept digital payments.

The Need for Evolution

For many small businesses, adopting digital payment systems has transitioned from a competitive advantage to a commercial necessity. With the influx of visitors, businesses that remain strictly cash-based may find themselves at a disadvantage, unable to capture sales opportunities from tourists who prefer contactless payment options.

Government Initiatives for Digital Inclusion

To bridge the digital divide, the Mexican Ministry of Economy, in partnership with Visa, has introduced the "Crece tu mipyme con pagos digitales" (Grow Your MSME With Digital Payments) initiative. The ambitious goal of the program is to digitalize 3.2 million MSMEs by 2030, with a crucial target of onboarding at least 1 million businesses before the first whistle blows at the 2026 World Cup.

Strategic Partnerships

The initiative leverages collaborations with major financial institutions such as BBVA, Getnet, and Global Payments. These partnerships aim to provide a range of accessible point-of-sale (POS) technologies to small businesses. Key offerings include:

• Zero-Cost Devices: Terminals available without any initial investment requirements.
• Preferential Commissions: Tailored, reduced transaction fees that respect the margins of small businesses.
• Usage-Based Models: Payment schemes where merchants incur costs only when the terminal is used, thereby eliminating fixed monthly fees.

Advantages of Digital Payments

Adopting digital payment solutions presents several measurable benefits for MSMEs. Businesses that embrace electronic payment options have been observed to report a 30% increase in sales. Furthermore, reducing cash transactions diminishes the risk of theft and operational losses. In addition, digital records provide essential data that can assist financial institutions in offering crucial services like credit, insurance, and working capital.

A Case Study: The Monterrey Experience

In Monterrey, one of the tournament’s host cities, excitement about the modernization of the BBVA Stadium contrasts sharply with the state of local payment systems, which remain predominantly cash-based. According to Fabricio Moreno, Country Manager at Adyen, Mexico’s existing financial infrastructure is "dangerously old school." In stark contrast, nations like South Korea and Sweden have nearly eliminated cash transactions, while in Mexico, only 30% of payments are conducted via digital wallets.

Consumer Behavior and Digital Adoption

The shifting landscape of consumer behavior necessitates an urgent response from small businesses. As international fans increasingly rely on contactless payment systems, the risks associated with digital payment failures grow. Moreno notes that if a payment is declined on the first attempt, customers are statistically more likely to abandon their purchases altogether.

FIFA’s Tax Exemptions and Economic Impact

In a bid to bolster the tournament’s economic benefits, President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that Mexico will maintain tax exemptions for FIFA and its partners during the 2026 World Cup. Originally negotiated in 2016, these exemptions have been refined to apply strictly to parties directly involved in the tournament’s organization in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. This unique distinction places Mexico apart, as it is the only host nation providing full national exemptions, while Canada and the United States offer more limited relief.

Anticipated Economic Reach

As the first nation to host the FIFA World Cup for the third time, Mexico is gearing up for an economic impact estimated at between US$1.8 billion (MX$32.3 billion) and US$3 billion. The large influx of international visitors is likely to catalyze spending in various sectors. Key preparation involves MX$9 billion in infrastructure upgrades to key airports in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, among other enhancements.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to not only showcase world-class football but also drive a vital shift in the way that businesses in Mexico operate. As MSMEs adopt digital payment systems, the potential economic impact for local communities could be significant, shaping the landscape of commerce in Mexico for years to come.