With just two matches remaining in the qualifying rounds, Mexico is dangerously close to missing out on next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil — something that hasn’t happened since 1990.

An absence at soccer’s grandest stage would create a deep cut in the Mexican economy. During the last World Cup in South Africa, Mexico’s team jersey outsold every other country and the team has an ongoing multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola. 

But León Krauze of Univision News says the effect will resonate in America as well. Radio and television stations in the U.S. would suffer a big blow from the loss of ratings and advertising money. 

“The Mexican team is a revenue machine for companies on both sides of the border so it would be a tragedy if the team does not qualify for [the World Cup],” says Krauze. 

Leon Krauze with Univision’s KMEX in Los Angeles joins Marketplace Morning Report host David Brancaccio to discuss.