Mexico City, August 13 – The economic impact generated by the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City not only reached restaurants and businesses but also service companies that operated behind the scenes to ensure safe and functional conditions for visitors. The ‘World Cup SMEs’ program, promoted by the Mexico City Government in coordination with Concanaco Servytur, Canacope CDMX, and Airbnb, provided free training to 400 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises between January and April of this year. The objective was to prepare family businesses to take advantage of the tourist flow generated by the tournament.
Significant Growth for Participating Businesses
A study conducted by Concanaco Servytur and Canacope CDMX, with the support of Airbnb, revealed that companies participating in the training received almost double the number of visitors compared to those that did not join the program. Furthermore, more than half managed to acquire new clients who remained after the event concluded.
The initiative originated in November 2025 during the “Neighborhood Economy and Digital Tourism towards the 2026 World Cup” meeting, where authorities and entrepreneurs outlined a strategy to integrate small businesses into the tourism value chain. According to official figures, the result was a 30 percent increase in card spending compared to the previous year and the best June in formal job creation in 25 years, according to IMSS records.
KYNEX Servicios Integrales: A Success Story
One of the highlighted cases is KYNEX Servicios Integrales, a Mexican maintenance and infrastructure company founded by Óscar Reyes. The entrepreneur stated that the program allowed his company to showcase its capabilities to a broader audience and establish commercial ties with organizations that would have been difficult to connect with otherwise.
Reyes emphasized that the role of maintenance companies often goes unnoticed in the coverage of major events, although it is essential for the visitor experience. He also acknowledged Airbnb’s function as an intermediary between small entrepreneurs and hosts, facilitating the identification of maintenance needs in properties and improving the quality of stays.
Economic Boost for Mexico City
The 2026 World Cup has proven to be a significant economic driver for Mexico City. The collaboration between government entities and private organizations has successfully integrated local businesses into the event’s economic ecosystem, ensuring a broader distribution of benefits.
The increase in tourism and related services has not only stimulated economic activity but also contributed to job creation, marking a positive trend for the city’s economy. The success of the ‘World Cup SMEs’ program highlights the importance of strategic planning and support for small businesses in leveraging large-scale events for sustainable growth.
The positive outcomes observed, such as the substantial increase in visitors and new client acquisition for participating SMEs, underscore the effectiveness of targeted training and collaborative efforts in maximizing the economic potential of major international events like the World Cup.
The city’s ability to generate such a significant economic impact, including a 30% increase in card spending and record job creation, demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of its local businesses and the efficacy of the programs designed to support them.
This initiative serves as a model for future large-scale events, showcasing how thoughtful integration of local enterprises can lead to widespread economic benefits and long-term business relationships. The legacy of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City will likely include a more robust and interconnected local business community, better equipped to handle future opportunities.
The sustained engagement of new clients post-event also indicates a lasting positive effect, transforming temporary boosts into more permanent economic advantages for the SMEs involved.
The collaboration between government, business associations, and platforms like Airbnb created a comprehensive support system, enabling small businesses to not only participate but also thrive during the World Cup. This multi-stakeholder approach proved crucial in addressing the diverse needs of SMEs and ensuring their effective integration into the event’s economic framework.
The success story of KYNEX Servicios Integrales exemplifies how niche service providers, often overlooked, can gain significant exposure and forge valuable connections through such programs, contributing to the overall quality and safety of the event experience.
The ‘World Cup SMEs’ program has set a new benchmark for how major sporting events can be leveraged to foster local economic development, proving that with proper planning and support, even the smallest businesses can play a crucial role in the success and legacy of global spectacles.
The positive economic indicators, such as increased spending and job creation, reflect a well-executed strategy that prioritized the involvement and growth of local enterprises, making the 2026 World Cup a win-win for both the city and its business community.
