Roberto Rojas made a comparison between what could be bought in the 2022 World Cup with the 2026

Economist Roberto Rojas highlighted a significant decline in purchasing power for Argentinians when comparing the ability to buy goods during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with the upcoming 2026 tournament. According to Rojas, attending the 2026 World Cup will be considerably more expensive than the 2022 event, reflecting broader economic challenges faced by the country. The economist explained that the drop in real terms income has been a central factor in this shift. He noted that the average household income has decreased by approximately 16.5% when comparing 2023 to the present day. This decline has made everyday expenses feel heavier, directly impacting consumers' capacity to afford essential services and products. Rojas outlined how family income is structured, emphasizing that it consists of earnings minus taxes plus subsidies. However, he pointed out that recent labor agreements have only increased wages by up to 1%, which does not keep pace with inflation. As a result, disposable income has fallen. Additionally, cuts to subsidies have led to higher service costs, further reducing families' buying power. To illustrate the impact, Rojas used the minimum wage as a reference point. He stated that today’s minimum wage allows for the purchase of around 181 liters of fuel, whereas in 2022, the same amount could buy 411 liters during the Qatar World Cup. The difference highlights a sharp contraction in purchasing power over the past four years. The comparison extends beyond fuel to include food items. With the current minimum wage, households can buy approximately 20 kilograms of meat, while during the 2022 World Cup, they could purchase about 50 kilograms, nearly double the amount. This represents a 150% increase in the cost of meat, underscoring the growing financial strain on ordinary citizens. Rojas chose this method of analysis because he believes using prices alone lacks context. By comparing purchasing power, he argues, it becomes clearer where and how household incomes have eroded. His approach provides a tangible measure of economic hardship, showing how daily life has become more challenging for many Argentinians. Transportation is another area where the disparity is evident. With the current minimum wage, individuals can afford roughly 362 bus tickets, compared to 2,065 tickets available during the 2022 World Cup. This means that the cost of public transport has risen dramatically, making it significantly harder for families to maintain their usual level of mobility and access to services. These findings reflect a broader trend of declining living standards and increasing economic pressure on Argentine households. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the challenge will be whether these trends continue or if there is any sign of improvement in the coming months.