World Cup Business Pulse: FIFA is weighing expanding the 2030 tournament to 64 teams, after the 2026 format already hit 104 matches—an upside for global TV, travel demand, and sponsorship budgets. Colombia Transition Watch: José Manuel Restrepo, a key incoming Colombia official, is navigating a tense handover after President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize the president-elect, keeping investor and diplomatic attention on stability and policy continuity. Brazil Corporate Strategy: Major Brazilian industrial groups are shifting toward investment holding models, selling assets and buying stakes to manage portfolios more actively as family firms professionalize governance. Venezuela Earthquake Relief & Reconstruction: Recovery remains strained as death tolls rise and humanitarian camps expand, while debates continue over who should fund reconstruction. Markets & Flows: Emerging markets saw equity outflows of about $46B in June, with macro risks (rates, oil volatility, dollar liquidity) weighing on sentiment—Latin America still showing pockets of inflow. Tech & Cyber: The UK and EU launched joint cyber sanctions against Russia-linked actors, targeting attacks and disinformation operations tied to energy and regional disruption. Hospitality & Tourism: Hilton and Fuerte Group will convert Amàre Cancun into a Curio by Hilton adults-only all-inclusive opening Oct. 31, signaling continued investment in Mexico’s resort pipeline.