NEW YORK — The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to inject more than USD80 billion into the global economy, with major gains expected across tourism, transportation, retail, and service industries.
Set to open on June 11 at Mexico’s iconic Estadio Azteca, the tournament will span 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will mark the first edition featuring an expanded 48-team format, with a total of 104 matches scheduled.
According to a joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization, the event is expected to draw around 6.5 million visitors, whose spending could reach USD13.9 billion. Overall, the tournament could generate USD80.1 billion in economic output and contribute USD40.9 billion to global GDP, while creating approximately 824,000 full-time jobs.
Matches will be staged in cities including Vancouver and Toronto in Canada; Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey in Mexico; and major US hubs such as Los Angeles, New York-New Jersey, and Miami. The championship match is set for July 19 in New Jersey.
With the majority of host cities located in the US, the country is anticipated to receive the largest economic share. Estimates show it could generate USD17.2 billion in economic activity, create 185,000 jobs, and yield USD3.4 billion in tax revenues.
Tourism is also expected to surge, with about 1.24 million international visitors projected to travel to the US alone—60 percent of them specifically for the tournament, based on projections by Oxford Economics.
However, the globa8l spectacle may come at a steep cost for fans. Daily expenses for international visitors are estimated at USD416, with an average stay of 12 days and attendance at multiple matches.
Accommodation costs are also expected to spike, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, where hotel rates could nearly double during the event. Ticket prices are likewise rising under FIFA’s demand-based pricing system, with even group-stage seats starting at around USD700, while premium tickets for the final have exceeded USD10,000.
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