The World Cup's other score: up to 12% less academic performance, specialists warn

Specialists are warning of a potential decline in academic performance by as much as 12% for students, attributing this drop to the combined effects of the World Cup and the summer vacation period. This significant reduction in learning could translate to a loss equivalent to two and a half to three months of acquired knowledge, experts cautioned.

The current situation, marked by the ongoing World Cup and the typical reduction in school activities during holidays, creates a perfect storm for academic regression. César Núñez, an education specialist and manager for Kumon Mexico's northern region, explained that the excitement surrounding the World Cup matches and the increased time spent in front of screens directly reduce available study hours and the quality of academic preparation.

"We have analyzed the effect that occurs during this period, which coincides with the final exams of different educational levels, and we find an impact that can be counteracted during the holidays with just 20 minutes a day of reading or math exercises," Núñez stated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining learning habits, especially given that Mexico and other Latin American countries are still grappling with educational setbacks accumulated since 2020.

Núñez further noted that the constant stream of World Cup results and sports content consumed via smartphones and social media significantly increases distractions, making it harder for students to concentrate on their schoolwork. Diagnostic assessments in Mexico have indicated an academic deterioration equivalent to approximately three school cycles across various educational levels, alongside a growing difficulty for primary and secondary students to maintain attention.

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We have analyzed the effect that occurs during this period, which coincides with the final exams of different educational levels, and we find an impact that can be counteracted during the holidays with just 20 minutes a day of reading or math exercises.