Mexico accelerates the arrival of digital nomads ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Weeks before Mexico becomes one of the global epicenters of football, a new wave of visitors is already arriving in the country: digital nomads. Beyond traditional tourism, this profile, which combines remote work with international mobility, is shaping the atmosphere for the 2026 World Cup and impacting the event's host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

According to the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, the country began 2016 with record-breaking figures for international tourism. In January alone, 8.84 million international visitors arrived, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period last year and the highest level for a first month on record.¹ This sustained growth anticipates a key year for the tourism industry, in which Mexico is positioning itself as one of the most important destinations globally.

In this context, digital nomads are playing a strategic role. They not only arrive before the majority of fans, but they also stay longer, consume locally, and demand infrastructure adapted to hybrid work models.

This phenomenon is no coincidence. Digital nomadism has gone from being an aspiration to a growing reality in Mexico. According to the WeWork and PageGroup study, "Challenges and Perspectives of Work," 61% of professionals say they would like to adopt this lifestyle, while 7% already practice it and 5% have previously experienced it.

“We are seeing how Mexico is consolidating itself as a connection point for global talent that not only visits, but also settles temporarily and becomes an active part of the cities. This type of user is redefining the way spaces are inhabited and consumed,” explained Claudio Hidalgo, president of WeWork for Latin America.

Globally, this evolution is reflected in the behavior of flexible workspace users. WeWork's Member Year in Review report reveals a growing group of professionals working from more than 30 different locations in a single year, and some even from more than 50, reinforcing a lifestyle based on mobility and flexibility.

The combination of connectivity, cultural offerings, competitive pricing, and growing urban ecosystems has positioned Mexico as a key destination for this type of traveler. In fact, Mexico City is already among WeWork's top three markets globally, along with New York and London, confirming its relevance as a hub for business and international talent.

Undoubtedly, the 2026 World Cup will not only bring fans, but also a transformation in the economic dynamics of the host cities. Unlike traditional tourists, digital nomads:

They stay for weeks or months

They regularly consume local services

They form professional and social communities

They promote economies such as temporary housing, coworking, gastronomy and mobility

This profile contributes to a long-stay, high-value tourism model, aligned with the Ministry of Tourism's vision of positioning Mexico as one of the most relevant destinations globally.

“With national teams and fans from countries like Argentina, Japan, and New Zealand arriving in the country, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a major sporting event and a turning point in how people live, work, and travel. In this context, Mexico will host a new generation of global talent that is redefining the boundaries between work, tourism, and lifestyle,” concluded Claudio Hidalgo, President of WeWork for Latin America. 

Source: WeWork