Álvaro Huerta, professor of urban and regional planning and ethnic studies, says immigrant street vendors demonstrated resilience during the 2026 FIFA World Cup by adapting to meet demand for unofficial merchandise despite ongoing economic hardships and immigration enforcement. “It's part of what people do to get by. It's a hustle,”  Huerta adds, describing informal vendors as entrepreneurs responding to consumer demand rather than causing harm.

This article was originally published by CALÓ News on July 17, 2026.