FIFA World Cup 2026 analysis highlights 6.5 million expected to attend tournament
It is now the turn of the United States, but then it will be the turn of Spain and although the 2030 World Cup is surrounded by controversy, the evidence says that the opportunity cannot be missed because of what it means and reports an event like this, such as the $40 billion that the World Cup and club and national team will generate for the North American country.
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FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat have published two studies showing the significant socioeconomic impact that the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2026 could have on the United States and globally.
The studies, developed by OpenEconomics (OE), an independent body that supports institutions and companies in the design of policies and investment projects, are the latest example of the collaboration between FIFA and the WTO following the launch of the GoalEconomy initiative after the biggest and most successful FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
Among the key estimates, the FIFA World Cup 2026 analysis highlights that 6.5 million people are expected to attend the tournament in the host countries. According to OE, the tournament could contribute up to $40.9 billion in gross domestic product (GDP), generate $8.2 billion in social benefits and boost the creation of almost 824,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs worldwide. Specifically for the United States, OE estimates that 185,000 FTE jobs could be created, with gross output of $30.5 billion and GDP of $17.2 billion.
In addition, the study of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup shows how the creation of the new quadrennial FIFA competition, involving and promoting 32 of the world’s best clubs, will generate value for the United States and globally. The report estimates a total attendance of 3.7 million people, with local and international fans flocking to the tournament’s 11 host cities to support their clubs in their quest to become the first winner.
The event could contribute to generate up to $21.1 billion in global GDP, including $9.6 billion in the United States. This year’s global club soccer showcase could also generate $17.1 billion in gross output and generate $3.36 billion in social benefits in the United States, while boosting the creation of approximately 105,000 jobs in the country.
The studies seek to capture tangible and intangible benefits through a structured and comprehensive analysis that includes direct, indirect and induced contributions, and also demonstrates the commitment of FIFA and the WTO to collaborate to analyse the economic impact of football and its role in driving global and inclusive economic growth. This is a central aspect of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed and signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the opening of the WTO’s annual Public Forum in September 2022.
