How the 2030 World Cup will impact the Real Estate Market in Paraguay

In a historic event during the 78th Ordinary Congress of Conmebol, the protocol minutes for the 2030 World Cup were signed, thus marking the centenary of the World Cup. The signing, made on the original table of the 1930 World Cup, had the prominent presence of the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, the president of Conmebol, Alejandro Domínguez, and the leaders of Paraguay and Uruguay, Santiago Peña and Luis Lacalle Pou, respectively.

This sporting event, which will have its inaugural match in Uruguay, will continue with matches in Paraguay and Argentina. For this purpose, Paraguay has committed to the construction of the Conmebol Stadium, a collaboration between the Paraguayan government and the football confederation. With an estimated capacity of 50,000 spectators and a projected cost between 100 and 250 million dollars, this stadium will not only serve as the venue for an exciting soccer match, but will also leave a legacy of top-level sports infrastructure in Paraguay.

However, beyond the fervor of the event, there are significant implications for the Paraguayan real estate market. While the direct impact may be smaller compared to countries that hosted more games, such as Brazil in 2014 or Qatar in 2022, an effect will be noticeable.

Historically, FIFA tournaments have shown an increase in demand for short-term accommodation in host cities, which in turn leads to increases in rental prices and hotel occupancy. In the case of Paraguay, this can mean an opportunity for the hotel and lodging sector, especially in areas near the Conmebol Stadium located in the city of Luque.

In addition, pre-event urban infrastructure improvements, such as new roads, improved public transportation, and development of shopping and entertainment areas, can increase the city's attractiveness to local residents and foreign investors and tourists. These infrastructure projects not only improve the quality of life for citizens, but can also boost property values in surrounding areas.

On the other hand, the long-term impact of the World Cup on the Paraguayan real estate market could manifest itself in the increase in the country's international visibility as a tourist and investment destination. The global exposure that accompanies an event of this magnitude can attract the attention of foreign investors and tourists to the Paraguayan real estate market, which could boost demand for residential and commercial properties in the years following the tournament.

Real estate agents in countries that have hosted previous World Cups, such as Qatar, Brazil and South Africa, have noted that property prices often see an increase after the event, as demand continues to grow. Although the exact magnitude of the impact of the World Cup on the Paraguayan real estate market is difficult to predict, there is widespread optimism about the opportunities that this event will bring for the construction, hospitality and real estate sectors in general.

In short, while Paraguay will only host one match during the 2030 World Cup, the event promises to leave a lasting mark on the country, both in terms of infrastructure and economic opportunities. The momentum generated by the tournament will not only benefit the tourism and hospitality sector, but could also have long-term positive effects on the real estate market, contributing to Paraguay's sustainable growth and development for decades to come.