A study by Bank of America points out that World Cups have, historically, the potential to add around 0.4 percentage points to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the host country in the year following the tournament. The 2026 edition, however, could generate an even more significant impact on the global economy.
For the first time, the competition will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, spread across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The increase in the number of games should increase the flow of tourists and boost sectors such as hotels, transport, aviation and restaurants, in addition to being accompanied by investments in digital infrastructure to support the demand for connectivity and data transmission.
According to FIFA estimates, the tournament could add up to US$71 billion to global GDP. In the United States, the projected impact is US$17.2 billion. The organization also estimates the creation of 824,000 jobs worldwide, 182,000 of which in North American territory alone.
The economic effect, however, is not limited to host countries and large companies. The consumption of products linked to the event — such as national team shirts, bar tickets and internet and broadcast services — also helps to move the global chain, expanding the economic reach of the World Cup.
