It is often presented as a unique opportunity for host countries. Millions of visitors, full hotels, packed bars and an economic injection that, on paper, should benefit the entire population. that experience as one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup, shared with the United States and Canada.
But while the administrations highlight the economic impact and international projection of the event, some residents are beginning to look at the calendar with much less enthusiasm. They fear that the increase in tourism will end in cities where many families already struggle to make ends meet.
A joint sensation that you speak of Albertoa Mexican who lives in Mexico City and who, despite being a big fan of soccer, recognizes that it is already having consequences on the daily lives of many residents: “I like football, but another thing is that my life has to get worse for people to come for a few weeks”.
“We are the last on the list”
Alberto insists that his discomfort has nothing to do with tourists; What he criticizes is that priorities have changed. “I have nothing against anyone who comes to see the country. What bothers me is that it seems that those of us who live here have stopped being the priority. We are the last on the list”, he comments.
As the Mexican explains, since he has noticed how certain services and businesses are increasingly oriented toward visitors, while the daily lives of the neighbors become more complicated.
“They tell us that the World Cup is an opportunity and a celebration for everyone, But many of us feel that it is being a party that we end up paying for.“, explains Alberto, who adds: “The reality is that it is making life difficult for many of us.”.
“Everything is oriented by and for the tourist. It is very good that people from outside come, but the city also has to remain habitable for those of us who live here all year round”, he adds.
“No one talks about the one who is taking away from us”
One of the aspects that worries Alberto the most is the economic impact that the increase in tourism can have on residents. “They talk about the money that the World Cup will bring, but no one talks about what it is taking from us”, censorship.
In his opinion, the economic benefits are not distributed in a balanced way. “Of course there will be hotels, restaurants or large companies that will do a lot of business. But the average resident does not live off tourism. What we see is that everything is becoming more and more expensive.and the problem is that those prices are then maintained.”
The Mexican also fears that tourist pressure will end up affecting: “Rents were already expensive and many owners know that with the World Cup they will be able to ask for even more. “Whenever there is a big event, living here becomes a little more inaccessible.”
“We will still be here when everything is over”
Although it recognizes that an event of this size can leave useful investments and infrastructure for the city, Alberto believes that the debate usually focuses only on the positive figures.
“They always tell us about the legacy that the World Cup will leave, but that now it costs us twice as much comes long before that supposed legacy. The problem begins when the city stops working for its own neighbors“, denounces Alberto.
“Tourists come for a few weeks, enjoy football and return home with unforgettable memories. But we will still be here when it’s all over. That’s why it would be good if someone also thought about those of us who are left behind,” says the Mexican.
