Football Fever Grips Nation: President Cuts Tax, Beer Prices to Drop for World Cup

Noboa announced the measure during the inauguration of a road project in Guayas province. This coastal region has been grappling with violent conflicts between rival drug gangs in recent years.

“We will abolish the special excise tax on all beverages consumed in moderation, including beer, during the World Cup. This will reduce the price of beer by more than 20 percent,” the president declared to applause from the attendees.

The measure will also apply to wine, although beer remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the Andean nation.

Ecuador is gearing up for its fifth appearance at the World Cup. The team kicks off its tournament campaign on Sunday against Ivory Coast.

Noboa, sporting the yellow jersey of the Ecuadorian national team, remarked that “everyone is now more focused on football than anything else” and expressed confidence that the national team would go far in the championship.