Mexico City braces for World Cup travel surge, mobility apps predict millions of trips

Mexico City is bracing for a massive influx of activity during the 2026 World Cup, with mobility apps expecting to handle a substantial portion of the anticipated travel and digital orders. DiDi México estimates that the capital will concentrate approximately 25% of the national demand for trips and orders placed through applications during the tournament period. This surge is projected to significantly influence urban mobility and the use of ride-sharing services within the city.

To illustrate the potential impact, DiDi recorded nearly 700,000 trips during the hours surrounding a recent friendly match between Mexico and Portugal. The most utilized services during such events are DiDi Express, Pon Tu Precio, and DiDi Moto, underscoring the reliance on app-based transportation to navigate issues like parking, traffic, and avoiding driving under the influence.

With an expected arrival of over 5 million tourists over the 39 days of competition, the demand is anticipated to be even higher for World Cup matches. Areas like Iztapalapa, Cuauhtémoc, and Gustavo A. Madero are predicted to see the highest activity in terms of both mobility and digital orders. This concentration reflects how major sporting events alter urban dynamics, driving demand for food and beverage deliveries alongside transportation.

For drivers and app-based transport providers, the World Cup presents a significant increase in travel opportunities, including late-night shifts. Beyond mobility, consumer behavior is also expected to shift, with categories like pizza, chicken and wings, burgers, sushi, and Mexican food anticipated to be highly popular. Nationally, orders for beer saw a 160% increase during the Mexico vs. Portugal match, with french fries up 66% compared to other sporting events. Mobility apps are poised to play a crucial role in facilitating safe travel and reducing traffic complications for the millions expected to move between restaurants, bars, fan zones, and stadiums.