Mexico 2026 World Cup Tourism Boost Hinges on Digital Payments

As Mexico prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, the country is emerging as a strategic destination for global tourism. However, a new study by Nuvei and Edgar, Dunn & Company warns that modernization of Mexico’s digital payments infrastructure will be crucial to fully capitalize on this opportunity.

The report highlights mounting challenges in the global travel industry related to payment systems, estimating that airlines alone could lose up to US$117 billion in 2025 due to card payment rejections. Beyond financial losses, failed transactions undermine customer loyalty; 13% of travelers switch providers after a failed payment, and 5% abandon their purchase entirely.

According to the study, traveler expectations for seamless digital experiences continue to rise. Ninety-two percent of international consumers demand frictionless, efficient payments, while 59% prefer to consistently use their chosen payment method. This underscores a growing need for convenience, flexibility, and personalization in tourism-related transactions.

In leading markets, local and digital payment methods already dominate: 71% of Brazilian travelers prefer Pix; 29% in Hong Kong use AlipayHK; 23% in Spain rely on Bizum; and around 40% of travelers in the UK and US use PayPal. These trends highlight the importance of expanding payment options in Mexico to meet international standards.

Payment flexibility also represents a major area for improvement. While 75% of travelers would like to combine payment methods, such as a bank card with loyalty points, only 22% of online travel agencies currently offer this feature. Addressing this gap, the study suggests, could significantly boost conversion rates and customer retention.

When faced with a payment failure, 82% of travelers attempt another method. However, if unsuccessful, 13% turn to a competitor and 5% abandon the transaction. The findings emphasize how payment friction leads to both immediate revenue losses and long-term customer attrition.

With millions of visitors expected to attend upcoming global events, Mexico has a limited window to close technological and operational gaps in its payment ecosystem. Improving digital payment infrastructure, the report concludes, would not only enhance the visitor experience but also strengthen Mexico’s competitiveness in tourism and commerce.

Nuvei, which operates in more than 200 markets, provides technologies that enable intelligent payment orchestration—including automatic retries, dynamic routing between acquirers, and support for local methods, instant transfers, and digital wallets. These tools can improve approval rates, reduce abandonment, and align payment experiences with consumer preferences.

According to Nuvei, investing in digital payment modernization is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic step toward reinforcing Mexico’s position as a global tourism hub.