World Football Summit Concludes in Monterrey
The World Football Summit (WFS) wrapped up its second edition in Mexico yesterday in Monterrey, gathering more than 1,700 football leaders and innovators from 40 different countries. The event explored the exciting opportunities that are shaping the future of soccer in Latin America and North America, occurring precisely one year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.
This two-day summit, held at Pabellón M, positioned Monterrey as a key center for football discussions in the Americas, particularly as the region gears up for the shared hosting of the World Cup by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
A Crucial Moment for Football in the Americas
WFS Monterrey addressed the important changes coming to the football industry. The 2026 World Cup is set to bring a $5 billion economic boost and significant infrastructure advancements across the region. Discussions focused on how Mexico’s football sector, expected to grow to $1.044 billion by 2029, can seize this chance along with the vibrant sponsorship market in Latin America, valued at $745 million, especially in countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
Jan Alessie, Co-Founder and Managing Director of WFS, remarked, “Monterrey has become the epicenter for discussions about football’s future in the Americas. The strong turnout shows that this event is crucial for understanding the direction of the global football industry. The partnerships formed here will shape how the sport evolves in the region leading up to this landmark World Cup.”
Engaging Discussions with Notable Speakers
The summit featured an impressive roster of industry leaders, including soccer legends and executives, such as:
- Davor Šuker, Croatian football icon
- Jurgen Mainka, Chief Tournament Officer for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico
- Mauricio Culebro, President of TIGRES UANL
- Pedro Esquivel, President of Club de Futbol Monterrey (Rayados)
- Hector Gonzalez, COO at Club América
Additionally, several key representatives from the Mexican government participated, showcasing the strong political support for football in the region.
Celebrating Excellence in Football
A standout moment at the summit was the WFS Honors ceremony, which recognized excellence in football development across various categories, including:
- Leading Women in Sport: Mariana Gutiérrez
- Transformative Partnerships: Club Tigres UANL & DC Comics
- Grassroots Development: Club de Fútbol Monterrey
- Outstanding Leadership: Don Valentín Diez Morodo, Deportivo Toluca FC
- Community Impact: Blue Women, Pink Men
- Legacy & Greatness: Davor Šuker
Fostering Partnerships and Collaboration
Co-organized with Soccer Media Solutions, the event received support from key stakeholders, including the Government of Nuevo León and the Mexican Football Federation. Commercial partners included OCV Monterrey and Caliente MX, among others.
Advancing Mexico’s Football Business Scene
WFS Monterrey built upon the success of its first event in Mexico City in 2024, showcasing Mexico’s growing influence in the global football industry. Topics addressed included investment in private equity, women’s football, local talent development, and the use of technology to engage fans.
Future Focus Areas
Key discussion points included:
- Maximizing the economic benefits and infrastructure from the 2026 World Cup.
- The rising interest of private equity in Latin American football.
- Development and revenue potential for women’s football.
- Ownership models and governance challenges.
- Rights strategies in the digital broadcasting age.
Looking Ahead
The success of WFS Monterrey cements Mexico’s role as a connection point for North and South American football markets. The event’s outcomes will help to guide investment, development, and collaboration in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
WFS continues to expand globally with upcoming events scheduled in Hong Kong, Madrid, and Riyadh, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for football business discussions.
For more information, please reach out to Jaime Domínguez at the World Football Summit.
