The 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is having a significant positive impact on Paraguay’s economy, especially in terms of temporary employment and consumption.
According to employment expert Enrique López Arce, around 30,000 Paraguayans are being called to fill temporary positions during the match days. These jobs are mainly in sectors such as gastronomy, shopping centers, supermarkets, and other services linked to mass consumption. The country has approximately 11,000 gastronomic establishments that require additional staff to meet the increased demand during the tournament.
Although these jobs are temporary, López Arce emphasizes that they represent an important income opportunity for many people entering the labor market during this period. Additionally, informal activity in the streets and public spaces also grows, with many people taking advantage of the higher foot traffic to make sales during the matches.
On the consumption side, there has been an estimated 35% increase in sales at supermarkets and appliance stores, reflecting the enthusiasm and emotional impact generated by the sporting event. The expert explains that consumer behavior is influenced by mood, and the excitement among the population drives purchases.
Furthermore, López Arce suggests adopting labor tolerance measures during the Paraguayan national team’s games, following examples from neighboring countries like Argentina and Brazil. These measures include flexible working hours or allowing employees to watch the matches at the workplace, provided it does not harm productivity. According to him, such practices can improve the work environment without causing significant negative effects.