Businesses Near World Cup Fan Zones Can Expand Capacity With Permits and Safety Plans

Businesses located near official fan zones and public viewing areas for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico will have the opportunity to expand their operational capacity. This expansion is contingent upon securing necessary permits from relevant authorities and developing a comprehensive Temporary Contingency Plan, according to new guidelines published in the Official Gazette.

The "Guidelines on Civil Protection for Commercial Establishments in the Framework of the FIFA World Cup 2026" specifically address establishments categorized as low-risk. These businesses, driven by commercial needs related to the World Cup, can seek authorization to enlarge or modify their customer service areas. A critical component of this process involves the creation of a Temporary Contingency Plan, which requires a thorough assessment of both internal operational risks and external threats within a 200-meter radius surrounding the venue.

Furthermore, all commercial establishments that implement capacity or surface area expansions must establish multi-functional emergency response brigades. Staff involved in these brigades will undergo at least eight hours of training covering essential topics such as first aid, evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and fire prevention and combat techniques. Establishments already possessing an Internal Civil Protection Program must update it to reflect the new capacity and expanded square footage, ensuring all risk analyses and emergency response plans are current.