The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams playing 104 matches in what is forecast to be the largest soccer event ever held [1, 2, 3, 4]. The tournament is expected to attract approximately 13.1 million visitors and generate 21.3 million hotel room nights booked in North America [1, 2].
Economic analyses jointly conducted by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimate the World Cup will boost global GDP by roughly $40.9 billion to $41 billion [1, 2, 3, 4]. The U.S. alone is projected to gain $17.2 billion in GDP and create 185,000 new jobs as a result of hosting the event [4]. Globally, over 824,000 jobs are expected to be created across sectors tied to the tournament [4].
In the United States, the food and accommodation sectors are predicted to see about $2.4 billion in revenue, real estate $2 billion, and wholesale and retail $1.5 billion during the tournament period [4]. Globally, the wholesale and retail sector is expected to generate $2.6 billion related to World Cup activities [4]. Key U.S. hotel operators including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, together with online travel platforms Airbnb, Booking Holdings, and Expedia, are poised to benefit significantly from the event [1, 2].
Goldman Sachs analysts predict the tournament will have a 'net positive' effect on U.S. airlines despite rising jet fuel prices driving up fares. They note, "June is typically a seasonally lower inbound leisure and corporate travel period, with a meaningful amount of peak July/August outbound travel season occurring after the WC is over" [1].
The tournament is also expected to stimulate consumer spending outside of travel hospitality. Jefferies analysts estimate over 1 billion pints of beer will be consumed worldwide during the World Cup, boosting the beer sector volume by 0.3%, especially in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, and China. They stated, "After five successive years of volatility, beer should be better in 2026." [1]
Advertising spending for the World Cup is projected at $10.5 billion globally, more than double the $5.7 billion expected for the entire 2025-2026 NFL season [4]. Nicole Pike, global head of YouGov Sport, described the event as "a cultural event with a gravitational pull that touches sport, music, travel and identity," noting that the World Cup is "bigger than football itself" [4].
The tournament will officially kick off on June 11 with matches hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and is scheduled to conclude on July 19 [1, 2, 3, 4].
