World Football Summit Monterrey unites 1,700 leaders ahead of 2026 World Cup
The World Football Summit (WFS) concluded its second edition in Mexico on a high note, gathering over 1,700 football executives, innovators, and stakeholders from 40 countries in Monterrey. Held June 9–10 at Pabellón M, the summit took place exactly one year before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, positioning Monterrey as a key football business hub in the Americas.
Strategic spotlight on regional growth
Timed with the countdown to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, the event underscored football’s massive potential in Latin and North America. Discussions focused on how the tournament’s projected $5 billion economic impact and major infrastructure wave can elevate local football markets. Mexico’s football industry alone is projected to hit $1.044 billion by 2029, alongside a $745 million Latin American sponsorship market spanning Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
“Exactly one year before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Monterrey has proven itself as the epicenter of the most important conversations about the future of football in the Americas,” said Jan Alessie, Co-Founder and Managing Director of World Football Summit.
Influential speakers and regional collaboration
The summit featured a high-powered speaker lineup, including Davor Šuker, Héctor Herrera, Mariana Gutiérrez, Jurgen Mainka, and Liga MX and FWC 26 executives. Mexican government officials such as Governor Samuel García and Minister of Sports Rommel Pacheco also participated, highlighting Monterrey’s support ecosystem.
WFS Honors were awarded across six categories, recognizing transformative partnerships, grassroots development, and leadership excellence in Latin American football. Strategic partners included Liga MX, Club América, TelevisaUnivision, UN Tourism, and the Mexican Football Federation.
With Monterrey poised to play a pivotal role in the 2026 World Cup, WFS reinforced the city’s importance as a regional football business hub. Upcoming WFS events in Hong Kong, Madrid, and Riyadh continue the summit’s global expansion.
