20,000 SMEs Strengthened for 2026 World Cup Economic Boost; Focus on Women Entrepreneurs

Mexico is bolstering over 20,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with training and financial education to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. These initiatives, spanning the last five months, are designed to equip businesses for the influx of economic activity.

Visa, a key partner in these efforts, has focused on expanding growth prospects for small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in the cities designated as World Cup host locations. A significant emphasis is placed on empowering women entrepreneurs through specialized tools, resources, and training.

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Our work seeks to complement existing efforts in the ecosystem to help more small businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities access knowledge, tools, and opportunities that drive their long-term growth.

These programs are part of a broader public-private collaboration aimed at generating lasting economic benefits that extend beyond the tournament itself. The goal is to provide individuals, businesses, and communities with the necessary tools to leverage the opportunities arising from the World Cup.

Visa highlights that these efforts complement existing ecosystem initiatives, providing access to knowledge and opportunities for long-term growth. While Mexico has made strides in digital payments, a gap remains compared to other Latin American nations. Regulatory and legal adjustments have been made to facilitate the electronic payments ecosystem, and the acceptance of digital payments has grown significantly, with 52% of microenterprises now accepting card payments, up from 15% five years ago. The national financial inclusion policy aims to reach 62% by 2030.

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the task is done, now we are in the hands of Javier Aguirre and the players