The World Cup will draw millions of fans, but economic payoff is modest
Summary
The 2026 World Cup starts today and will take place in three countries and 16 cities, attracting millions of fans worldwide. While it is expected to boost the U.S. economy by billions of dollars temporarily, experts say the long-term economic benefits are very small.Key Facts
- The tournament involves the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, covering 16 cities.
- Around 6 billion people worldwide are expected to follow the event.
- The U.S. could see a $17.2 billion increase in GDP, with the global boost around $40.9 billion.
- The event may create extra jobs, especially in leisure and hospitality sectors.
- International visitors might spend over $5,000 each during their stay in the U.S.
- Legal betting on the World Cup could reach $60 billion globally, with $2.9 billion from the U.S.
- Hotel bookings in host cities are lower than expected due to travel barriers and costs.
- Ticket prices and related travel costs average over $2,100 per fan, which may limit attendance.
- Long-term economic growth from hosting the World Cup is predicted to be near zero.
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