With the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, financial innovation and digital transformation specialist Norman Hagemeister Rey estimates an increase in digital transactions in Mexico, making it necessary to strengthen this system to avoid collapses or delays during those weeks. "In Mexico, the use of cash still predominates. Currently, 86 percent of people prefer to use it for low-value transactions," he noted. This scenario has meant that the use of terminals in businesses is not predominant, despite the arrival of Fintech expanding the use of credit and debit cards among the Mexican population. Therefore, the financial innovation and digital transformation specialist highlights the adoption of greater technology to prevent the collapse of this payment system. "Both consumers and foreign visitors will need fast and secure transactions. This scenario will force businesses to have modern infrastructures capable of operating under high-demand conditions," he reiterated.
How many people will each World Cup host city have? According to FIFA estimates, each city hosting World Cup matches will receive an average of 450,000 people, meaning 1.3 million visitors in Mexico. Norman Hagemeister Rey highlighted the benefits of payment digitization and called on the country's businesses to invest in this type of technological tool to take advantage of the arrival of tourists. On the one hand, the adoption of payments via transfers such as SPEI, DiMO, or with credit and debit cards brings a series of benefits such as greater security, agility, financial inclusion, and cost reduction. "Acquiring payment terminals is an investment that boosts the economy by offering a more modern and transparent experience for both consumers and businesses," assured Norman Hagemeister Rey.
Just this past March 24, Apple enabled the Tap to Pay on iPhone service for Mexico, which will allow merchants to use their mobile device to accept contactless payments in a very easy and secure way. These measures will facilitate payments for foreign people as they will not need to go to banks to withdraw cash or exchange currency, where they lose time and energy. Therefore, facing the start of the World Cup, the financial innovation and digital transformation specialist considered it an opportunity to carry out a transformation in their businesses and provide them with an easier service to their different national and international customers. Otherwise, they will lose opportunities and be left behind by more competitive options in the market.
