Mexico, Competence, Resolving Problems

The World Cup of 1986

In late 1982, Colombia gave up hosting the 1986 World Cup. Its president, Belisario Betancur, announced: “Anuncio a mis compatriotas que el Mundial de Fútbol 1986 no se hará en Colombia” (I announce to my compatriots that the 1986 World Cup will not be held in Colombia). On May 20, 1983, the Executive Committee of FIFA chose Mexico in its place, unanimously.

In September 1985, a powerful earthquake struck Mexico City. Inspections found no serious damage to the stadiums, and “la decisión fue seguir adelante y mantener a México como sede” (the decision was to go ahead and keep Mexico as host).

The Law Against Paperwork

Mexicans use the word tramitología for excessive paperwork. On April 22, 2025, Excélsior headlined: “Presidenta envía a diputados ley contra tramitología” (President sends deputies a law against tramitología). Expansión headlined the same bill: “Sheinbaum propone nueva ley para abatir tramitología y burocracia” (Sheinbaum proposes a new law to cut tramitología and bureaucracy).

The National Law for the Elimination of Bureaucratic Procedures was published in the official gazette on July 16, 2025.

Skill Over Strength

Más vale maña que fuerza. “Skill is worth more than strength.” The Mexican business magazine Emprendedor lists it among Mexican sayings to apply in business. It explains the saying as “la importancia de la inteligencia y la habilidad sobre la fuerza bruta” (the importance of intelligence and skill over brute force).