Dear IHCC Community,
Like many Chicagoans, I was disappointed when our city wasn’t selected to host FIFA World Cup matches. It seemed like a missed opportunity to showcase our beautiful neighborhoods to the world and drive significant economic activity.
But after watching the tournament unfold across Chicago over the last several weeks, my perspective shifted.
The World Cup came to Chicago anyway.
It wasn’t inside Soldier Field—it was inside our restaurants, neighborhood bars, breweries, and small businesses. On opening day, I walked into The Tree House expecting an open table, only to find a standing-room-only crowd. Later at Lalo’s near UIC, the place was packed with families, students, and workers cheering in unison.
At both spots—and so many other English-speaking establishments—the TVs were tuned to Telemundo’s Spanish-language coverage. When I asked Brian, a Loop bartender, why they made that choice, he nailed it: “The passion is different. The goals sound better in Spanish.”
I couldn’t agree more. The energy and emotion that Spanish-language commentators bring to the game are unmatched. Whether you grew up speaking Spanish or not, you could feel it. A special shoutout to Telemundo for bringing that passion directly into Chicago’s restaurants, bars, and living rooms. Their coverage became an essential part of the experience, driving foot traffic into local spots and reminding us all why fútbol is called the beautiful game.
This wasn’t just isolated excitement—it was an economic engine at work. Beyond packed dining rooms, this tournament activated our entire supply chain.
Kitchens worked overtime, which meant food and beverage distributors were making round-the-clock deliveries. Apparel stores sold out of team gear, grocery stores stocked up for watch parties, and commercial suppliers felt the surge. Small businesses that planned ahead didn’t just boost their own bottom line—they lifted up their employees, their vendors, and their communities. That is entrepreneurship in action: when opportunity knocks, our small business community answers.
This success shouldn’t come as a surprise. Chicago’s connection to fútbol runs deep, fueled by generations of passionate Latino families who have made the game an essential part of our culture and identity.
As President & CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I couldn’t be prouder of how our entrepreneurs adapted, innovated, and seized the moment. While matches were played in stadiums elsewhere, the economic footprint reached every corner of our city because our local businesses and supply networks were ready.
This tournament reminded us that creating economic impact doesn’t require a stadium. It takes passionate fans, agile suppliers, hardworking employees, and a business community ready to come together. Chicago proved we have all of that and more.
So yes, when FIFA looks for host cities in the future, Chicago belongs at the top of the list. But until then, our business community has already shown the world what we can do.
To every restaurant owner, cook, bartender, truck driver, supplier, retailer, sponsor, and soccer fan who made this summer an economic and cultural triumph—thank you. When Chicago comes together, everyone wins.
¡Viva el fútbol!
Jaime di Paulo
President & CEO, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce