In the summer of 2026, North America will celebrate the world’s greatest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup. Alongside Mexico and Canada, the United States will host the tournament, which is expected to bring a massive economic boost to local communities across all three countries, thanks to the arrival of thousands of fans traveling to follow their national teams.
Businesses will not be the only ones reaping the rewards. Accommodation providers are also expected to be at full capacity, as supporters from around the globe flock to lend their voices and energy to their teams.
The economic windfall anticipated in host cities will be comparable to that seen in locations that host the Super Bowl – the ultimate sporting spectacle in the United States – where those lucky enough to attend know that “everyone comes out a winner.”
The FIFA World Cup would ‘eclipse’ the Super Bowl
According to the New York Business Journal, the FIFA World Cup will outshine America’s most beloved sporting event. The Super Bowl, which crowns the NFL champion, generated $10.5 million in rental revenue. With the unprecedented demand expected during the World Cup, those numbers will be surpassed.
For example, in a host city like New Orleans, the average nightly lodging cost of $1,450 – already eight times the city’s standard rate – could climb even higher during the event.
Data from AirDNA shows that, in the days leading up to this year’s Super Bowl on February 9, the $10.5 million figure had already been reached. Additionally, similar reports indicate that the city experienced a 67.1% increase in accommodation rates.
Soccer has taken its course, and there’s no stopping it
Since the FIFA World Cup was first held in the United States in 1994, the sport’s growth has been remarkable. Major League Soccer now enjoys strong international visibility, bolstered by elite signings such as Lionel Messi in Miami. The anticipation for 2026 is unprecedented.
A previous report revealed that New York and New Jersey expect an economic boost of $3.3 billion as World Cup hosts from June 11 to July 19. Astonishingly, this figure comes from only eight matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium.
Although sellout crowds are routine in New York, the FIFA World Cup is set to deliver an entirely different magnitude. Projections indicate $1.7 billion in visitor spending during the event, of which $1.3 billion will come from labor-related income.
The tournament is also expected to attract 1.2 million fans in a single month – a revenue equivalent to what MetLife Stadium generates over an entire decade.
An impressive number of visitors
With 48 teams competing across three countries, an estimated six million visitors are expected at venues throughout North America.
This is an event no one should miss – whether or not you are a soccer fan. The atmosphere created by the participating nations will be nothing short of unique and unforgettable.
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