Small shops thrive with 2026 World Cup; Mexican national team matches boost sales

Contrary to expectations for other businesses, small convenience stores, known as 'tienditas,' experienced a significant sales boost during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Estimates from the National Association of Small Commerce (Anpec) indicate sales increased by 10% to 15%.

The surge in revenue was largely attributed to increased demand for beverages like beer and soft drinks, bottled water, snacks, processed meats, bread, ice, charcoal, cigarettes, and general groceries. Anpec reported that sales peaked particularly during matches involving the Mexican national team, reflecting the strong connection between the team's performance and consumer spending.

Anpec described the World Cup's greatest legacy as fostering national spirit and unity. The organization stated that the Mexican team's historic performance rekindled hope among Mexicans, suggesting a collective ability to achieve greater success. While acknowledging Mexico's hospitality as a host nation, Anpec also pointed to security alerts issued by Canada and the United States to their citizens considering travel to Mexico for the World Cup.

Additionally, Anpec mentioned challenges such as protests that threatened the tournament's start, an "unnecessary and failed" alcohol ban ('Ley Seca'), and a security lapse at the Ángel de la Independencia monument that resulted in fatalities and injuries. Despite these issues, Anpec concluded that small businesses broke through a consumption slump, a sentiment amplified when the national team played.

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the greatest legacy of the World Cup was the national spirit and unity: the historic performance of the Tri gave Mexicans back the illusion that together we can go further.