Cash Demand Scores a Goal in World Cup 2026; Circulation of Bills and Coins Increased

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico saw a notable surge in demand for physical cash, even as debit and credit card usage contributed to private consumption. Data from the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) reveals that currency circulation increased during four of the six weeks the tournament spanned.

During the opening week, which included Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa, the central bank recorded an increase of 3.761 billion pesos in cash demand. Subsequent weeks, marked by Mexico's wins against South Korea and Czechia, saw a reduction in the monetary base. However, demand for physical currency rebounded significantly by July 3, with a positive variation of 14.102 billion pesos, coinciding with Mexico's 2-0 win against Ecuador.

This uptick in cash usage reflected the public's enthusiasm during the tournament. Even after Mexico's first loss, a 2-3 defeat to England, currency circulation continued its upward trend. In the week ending July 10, cash demand rose by 9.732 billion pesos, and by July 17, it had increased by another 13.882 billion pesos, just two days before the tournament's closing.

Overall, during the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup, the demand for money experienced an average annual increase of 7.5%. This sustained rise in cash circulation highlights the continued importance of physical currency as a medium of payment, even in an era of increasing digital transactions.