US, Mexico and Canada Prepare for $556 Million Economic Impact from FIFA World Cup 2026, Fueling Growth in Tourism and Local Businesses

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a game-changer for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, as host cities in these nations prepare for a substantial economic boost. With an estimated $556 million in visitor spending, the event is expected to fuel significant growth in tourism and local businesses. As fans from around the world flock to these vibrant host cities, industries such as hospitality, transportation, and retail will see an influx of revenue, making this one of the most impactful sporting events in North America.

As the global spotlight turns to North America, this analysis highlights which cities will benefit the most from the tournament’s arrival, illustrating how these host cities stand to gain both in the short and long term.

Economic Gains for U.S. Cities Hosting the World Cup

The $556 million figure represents a portion of the economic benefits expected to flow into the U.S., equivalent to about 60% of the total projected impact of other major global events like the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This influx of spending will primarily concentrate in a select group of cities, with the top five expected to generate more than half of the total event-related expenditure.

Among the cities leading the charge are:

• East Rutherford, New Jersey: With $67 million in projected visitor spending, East Rutherford will be the biggest beneficiary. The city’s high number of scheduled matches, its stadium’s large capacity, and proximity to New York make it a prime destination for international visitors.
• Inglewood, California: Inglewood’s location within the greater Los Angeles area makes it an attractive destination, with $59 million expected in spending, buoyed by its sports infrastructure and tourism appeal.
• Arlington, Texas: Projected to generate $58 million in visitor spending, Arlington benefits from its central location and major sporting venues, drawing fans from across the country and beyond.
• Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta ranks fourth with a $52 million boost, thanks to its rich cultural and sports scene, plus its accessibility as a transportation hub in the Southeast.
• Seattle, Washington: Expected to see $51 million in spending, Seattle will capitalize on its iconic attractions and diverse tourism options, drawing both domestic and international visitors.

Together, these five cities will account for 52% of the total spending expected from U.S. visitors during the tournament, highlighting the concentrated impact these locations will experience as the global stage is set for the World Cup.

Key Spending Categories: Food, Lodging, and Transport

Visitor spending across U.S. cities will be driven by three key sectors: food and beverage, accommodation, and transportation.

• Food and Beverage: A significant $280 million (50%) of total spending will go toward dining, with fans indulging in local cuisine, stadium concessions, and restaurant visits. This category is the largest contributor to overall spending, in line with trends seen at other large-scale international sporting events.
• Accommodation: The need for hotels, motels, and other lodging services will result in $181 million (32.5%) in projected spending. This includes a surge in demand for short-term rentals and traditional accommodations as international tourists and event-goers fill up rooms in and around host cities.
• Transportation: Travel-related expenses are also a major contributor, with $95 million (17%) expected to be spent on taxis, public transportation, rideshares, and car rentals as fans move between venues and explore the host cities.

These sectors form the core of the visitor spending ecosystem, benefiting a wide range of local businesses and services that cater to tourists.

Visitor Stay Duration and Local Economic Impact

An important factor influencing the economic impact of the World Cup is visitor dwell time—the length of time that guests spend in each host city. Longer stays correlate with increased spending, as fans tend to spend more on local dining, shopping, and leisure activities while enjoying their visit. The longer visitors stay in cities like East Rutherford or Inglewood, the more money they will contribute to local businesses, further fueling economic growth.

For example, longer stays tend to lead to higher rates of spending in food and beverage as well as increased demand for tourist attractions. As these cities prepare for the influx of visitors, local businesses should expect a healthy surge in revenue, especially in areas that cater to tourism.

The Uncertainty of Team Qualification

While the projected economic benefits are promising, team qualification is a key uncertainty. As of early February 2026, qualification for several teams is still in flux, with tournaments and playoff rounds ongoing. Fans eager to attend the event are waiting to confirm which teams will participate, delaying many travel decisions. This means that while early spending projections are optimistic, the actual economic activity may not fully materialize until the teams are officially qualified and ticket sales increase.

This uncertainty also affects booking behavior, as fans may hold off on finalizing their travel plans until late March 2026, when the final roster of teams is confirmed.

Air Connectivity and Increased Travel Demand

Another critical element in the success of the World Cup will be air connectivity. The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are the host nations, and all three will see increased demand for international flights. The U.S. is particularly well-positioned, as it boasts direct flights from all 34 qualified countries, contributing to a 3.3% year-on-year increase in seat capacity for 2026.

In addition, Mexico has direct flights from 15 qualified countries, while Canada has direct connections with 12, ensuring that fans from around the world will be able to travel to the tournament. As the event approaches, air travel patterns will evolve, with airlines adjusting flight frequencies and seat availability based on demand.

This increased connectivity will allow fans to easily travel to and from host cities, contributing to the overall economic impact and facilitating the flow of international visitors across all three host countries.

Long-Term Opportunities Beyond the Event

The 2026 FIFA World Cup offers long-term tourism and economic opportunities for host cities. While the immediate economic boost will come from the influx of visitors during the tournament, the lasting impact will come from the global exposure the cities will gain. This visibility will help them attract future tourists, business travelers, and international investments. Host cities like East Rutherford and Inglewood will have the opportunity to develop stronger reputations as key tourist destinations, increasing their appeal long after the final whistle blows.

Furthermore, investments made in infrastructure—such as transportation improvements, stadium upgrades, and hospitality expansions—will leave a legacy that continues to benefit local economies for years to come. These improvements will ensure that the World Cup has a lasting impact on the cities, making them more accessible and attractive to visitors in the future.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to generate a major economic boost for U.S. host cities, with $556 million in projected visitor spending. From East Rutherford to Seattle, host cities are primed to see substantial economic gains in key areas like food, accommodation, and transportation. However, uncertainties surrounding team qualification and booking behavior may affect the timing of travel decisions, potentially altering the precise economic impact. Nevertheless, the event’s long-term benefits, including enhanced tourism exposure and infrastructure investments, promise to leave a lasting legacy for host cities, ensuring that the FIFA World Cup continues to drive economic growth well beyond 2026.

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