World Cup 2026 expected to cut school performance by up to 12% in Mexico

Specialists warn that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could cause a drop of up to 12% in academic performance for Mexican students, an effect comparable to losing two and a half to three months of learning. The impact is projected to be strongest among basic and upper‑secondary students, particularly male football fans, as the tournament coincides with school vacations and final‑exam periods.

Research cited from the Journal of Public Economics and analysis by Kumon Mexico indicate that increased screen time and distraction from match coverage reduce study hours and learning quality. Experts, including Kumon regional manager César Núñez, recommend that students maintain a routine of at least 20 minutes of daily reading or math exercises to offset the loss and prevent widening educational gaps that have persisted since 2020.