Delaware Aims to Capitalize on $77M World Cup Tourism Boom

The First State plans to lure soccer fans to beaches and cities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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With an estimated $1 billion in regional economic impact expected from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Delaware is gearing up to capture a significant portion of that tourism windfall. The Delaware Tourism Office is partnering with the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 host committee to promote the state as a relaxing destination for World Cup fans, with plans to run targeted ads in major soccer countries like France and Brazil. The state is projecting it could see up to $77 million in tourism revenue, which would be a huge boost funded by the state's 8% hotel tax and 4.5% short-term rental tax.

Why it matters

The World Cup represents a rare opportunity for Delaware to showcase itself on the global stage and capitalize on the influx of international visitors. With an estimated 500,000 tourists expected in the region, Delaware hopes to lure a significant portion to its beaches, cities, and ticketed watch parties, generating much-needed revenue that will be reinvested into the state's tourism marketing efforts.

The details

Delaware plans to work with a strategic marketing consultant to create ads targeting tourists from major soccer countries like France and Brazil, encouraging them to visit Delaware's beaches and cities while in the region for the World Cup. The state's tourism office is funded by an 8% hotel tax and 4.5% short-term rental tax, with the goal of capturing 10% of the estimated $770 million regional economic impact, or $77 million. This revenue will be used to further promote Delaware as a vacation destination.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19.
  • Delaware plans to host ticketed watch parties for four World Cup games this summer.

The players

Delaware Tourism Office

The state agency responsible for promoting tourism in Delaware, funded by hotel and short-term rental taxes.

Philadelphia Soccer 2026

The nonprofit operational host committee tasked with planning and bringing the World Cup to Philadelphia.

Jessica Welch

Director of the Delaware Tourism Office.

Meg Kane

Host city executive of Philadelphia Soccer 2026.

Miles Partnership

A strategic marketing consultant that works with state tourism offices.

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What they’re saying

“We're doing some ads in France and in Brazil to try to target them, to say: 'Oh, you're going to the World Cup in Philly? We would love for you to come to Delaware.' You know, relax in Delaware. Stay in Delaware.”

— Jessica Welch, Director of Delaware Tourism Office (The News Journal/Delaware Online)

“We would love to get them, while they're making their plans, to come to Delaware and book a stay at the beach or stay in Wilmington for a week or two.”

— Jessica Welch, Director of Delaware Tourism Office (The News Journal/Delaware Online)

“I mean, that's a huge number for us. That could be great.”

— Jessica Welch, Director of Delaware Tourism Office (The News Journal/Delaware Online)

What’s next

The Delaware Tourism Office will continue working with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and its marketing consultant Miles Partnership to promote Delaware as a destination for World Cup tourists, with targeted advertising campaigns in key international markets.

The takeaway

Delaware's plan to capitalize on the 2026 World Cup represents a strategic effort to boost tourism revenue and showcase the state on a global stage. By leveraging its coastal attractions and ticketed watch parties, Delaware hopes to capture a significant portion of the estimated $1 billion in regional economic impact, providing a much-needed financial boost that will be reinvested into the state's tourism marketing efforts.