2026 World Cup Projected to Add $40.9 Billion to Global GDP

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, spanning 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest edition in the tournament's history. FIFA anticipates welcoming approximately 6.5 million fans into stadiums, with a vastly larger audience beyond the turnstiles. The tournament is already being marketed as a luxury travel product, with premium packages offered by FIFA's official hospitality provider. However, the experience won't be limited to high-end offerings, as fan villages and free-to-attend fan festivals are also planned.

Why it matters

The World Cup creates spending far beyond the stadium walls, with a 2025 FIFA and World Trade Organization study estimating the 2026 World Cup could add $40.9 billion to global GDP. This highlights the importance of the commercial choreography happening at the checkout layer, with Visa and Bank of America playing key roles as official partners.

The details

The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches, the most in tournament history. Airbnb, an official FIFA tournament supporter, is launching a $5 million Host City Impact Program tied to the event, which Deloitte estimates could generate roughly $3.6 billion in economic activity across the three host countries during the tournament.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19.
• The 2022 World Cup in Qatar generated 5 billion engagements, and the final alone drew close to 1.5 billion viewers worldwide.
• The 2018 World Cup saw 3.572 billion people watch at least some portion of the tournament.

What’s next

The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the largest edition in the tournament's history, with 104 matches and an anticipated 6.5 million fans in attendance across the 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.