The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing one of the largest sports business moments in U.S. history. World Cup revenue in the USA is expected to flow through hotels, restaurants, transportation, retail, tourism and local services in host markets.
The tournament is being held across the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA lists 104 matches across 16 host cities, with most games taking place in the U.S.
World Cup Revenue USA Projections
FIFA’s financial outlook shows the size of the event. The organization’s revised 2023-2026 budget projects $12.9 billion in total revenue, according to FIFA’s official financial report.
A separate FIFA forecast cited by ABC News estimates the tournament could add about $17 billion to U.S. gross domestic product. FIFA also projected about $11 billion in event-related spending.
That money will not reach every city or business equally. Economists note that ticket sales and some merchandise revenue go to FIFA. However, local spending can still benefit businesses near stadiums, fan zones, airports and entertainment districts.
Host Cities Expect Local Boosts
The U.S. host cities include Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Each city expects visitors to spend money before, during and after matches. According to CBS News, a SoFi study estimated each host city could see $160 million to $620 million in incremental economic activity.
That spending includes hotel rooms, meals, rideshares, rental cars, bars, watch parties and local attractions. International visitors are also expected to spend heavily. CBS reported that the U.S. Travel Association projected foreign visitors could spend more than $5,000 per person during their stay.
Texas Markets Stand to Gain
Houston and Dallas are both positioned for major tourism activity. Matches at NRG Stadium and AT&T Stadium are expected to draw fans from across Texas, the U.S., Latin America and beyond.
Local restaurants, hotels, small businesses and event vendors could see higher demand during match windows. Latino-owned businesses may also benefit from fan gatherings, watch parties and cultural events tied to national teams with large followings in Texas.
Texas also uses event-related tax tools to help communities manage major event costs. The Office of the Texas Governor says its Event Trust Funds program can use projected gains in sales, hotel, auto rental and alcohol taxes to help cover eligible event expenses.
Costs Remain Part of the Picture
The World Cup is not pure profit for host cities. Public safety, transportation, security, fan zones and emergency planning all carry costs.
Analysts have also warned that some spending may shift from normal tourism instead of creating fully new economic activity. In other words, some visitors who may have traveled for other reasons could avoid crowded host cities during the tournament.
Still, the short-term boost is expected to be significant for businesses tied to travel, food, entertainment and hospitality. The biggest gains will likely go to companies prepared for large crowds and international visitors.
For U.S. host cities, the World Cup is more than a soccer tournament. It is a chance to turn global attention into local sales, jobs and long-term tourism visibility.