The cost of hosting the 2026 World Cup has raised questions as owners of the Estadio Azteca have allegedly suffered losses of as much as $47m in costs related to the tournament.
Grupo Ollamani, who own the iconic Mexico City stadium which has hosted two previous World Cups, have suffered a net loss of 557.2 million pesos ($32.2 million) during the second quarter, with the cost of hosting the 2026 tournament contributing to the blow.
According to the report, this was due to required stadium upgrades as well as being forced to relinquish certain naming and commercial rights. The figures have reopened questions on the financial risk posed by event owners, and whether they have sufficient funds to bear the cost when the governing body takes the majority of revenues.
The reporting, which satirises the global governing body’s approach to hosting events, said: “Although you demanded expensive remodeling of the Estadio Azteca, the owners will absorb the significant costs.”
Despite the losses, hosting matches at Estadio Azteca has had benefits as it’s placed Mexico City and the historic venue once again onto the world stage.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, and although the host cities will likely bear the economic and logistical burden, the commercial return of hosting will undoubtedly be measured against the expenses incurred.
