A joint study conducted by FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) revealed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to generate more than $80 billion in global economic output.
According to the study, the tournament “could generate $80.1 billion in gross output globally, add up to $40.9 billion in GDP and create 824,000 jobs,” highlighting its unprecedented economic impact.
This edition will be the first to feature 48 national teams and a total of 104 matches. It is expected to attract around 6.5 million spectators, contributing significantly to global economic activity.
The opening match will be held at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, while the final will take place in the New York–New Jersey area on July 19, concluding a tournament spread across 16 major cities.
The study also indicates that the United States will be the main economic beneficiary, with projections including $17.2 billion in GDP impact and the creation of approximately 185,000 jobs.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the broader significance of the event, stating: “There is nothing anywhere close to what football does. It changes the mood not just of people, but of countries.”
The 2026 edition is considered the largest in World Cup history, both in terms of participating nations and its projected economic impact, reflecting the growing global scale of football.
