Full Breakdown
Impact of 2026 FIFA World Cup Preparations on Mexico City's Informal Workers
2/13/2026, 12:09:33 PM
Economic Displacement Amid World Cup Preparations
As Mexico City gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, significant infrastructure projects are underway, impacting the livelihoods of informal workers, particularly sex workers and street vendors. Montserrat Fuentes, a sex worker with two decades of experience on Calzada de Tlalpan, reports a drastic reduction in earnings due to construction blocking access for clients. The city is investing in renovations, including a bike lane and improvements to public transportation, in anticipation of the influx of tourists expected for the tournament. However, these developments have led to concerns among informal workers about their economic stability and future.
Government Actions and Local Responses
The local government, led by Mayor Clara Brugada, has acknowledged the challenges faced by informal workers and has initiated discussions to provide support. This includes promises of small monthly payments and food deliveries, which many, including Elvira Madrid Romero, president of the advocacy group Street Brigade, argue are insufficient. Madrid emphasizes that the focus on World Cup profits overlooks the needs of vulnerable populations, stating, “The only thing the government sees is how much money (the World Cup) is going to make them.”
Despite the government's assurances, many workers remain skeptical. Fuentes and her peers have not seen the promised support materialize, and they resist relocation from their established work areas. The city has proposed designated meeting points for sex workers, but these have yet to be implemented.
Historical Context of Displacement
The situation in Mexico City reflects a broader trend observed during major global sporting events, where local governments often prioritize tourism and infrastructure over the needs of low-income residents. Similar patterns were noted during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where marginalized groups faced eviction and displacement. Critics argue that such actions constitute a form of “social cleansing,” disproportionately affecting those already living in precarious conditions.
Voices from the Ground
Street vendors like Esperanza Toribio Rojas, who has operated in the area for years, express fears of displacement as the city transforms public spaces to accommodate World Cup visitors. Toribio highlights the irony of the government's sudden interest in the area, stating, “Today the government sees this place, they see that there is life, and they want to take it for themselves.” Many vendors have resisted relocation offers, citing inadequate compensation and the loss of their established customer base.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
The Mexico City government maintains that it is providing necessary support to displaced workers and assures that vendors will be able to return to their stalls post-World Cup. However, many remain unconvinced, fearing that the changes will be permanent and detrimental to their livelihoods. As the tournament approaches, the tension between economic opportunity and social displacement continues to escalate, leaving many informal workers in a precarious position.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we’re seeing in Mexico is something that so much of the world has faced when there’s an event of this scale. They always want to fix up their city, make it look nice,” — Montserrat Fuentes, Sex Worker
- “Tourists are coming to celebrate at the expense of the poor.” — Elvira Madrid Romero, President of Street Brigade
- “Today the government sees this place, they see that there is life, and they want to take it for themselves,” — Esperanza Toribio Rojas, Street Vendor
As the World Cup draws nearer, the balance between economic gain and the rights of informal workers remains a critical issue in Mexico City.
