How FIFA made the World Cup a $15B economy

The 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed an unprecedented edition in terms of size and revenue. For the first time, 48 teams participated, and 104 matches were held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This expansion led to a significant increase in revenues, estimated by FIFA to reach approximately $15 billion, far surpassing the initial projections of $11 billion. This surge was driven by the historic expansion of the tournament, including the increased number of teams and matches, as well as hosting matches across three countries. These changes boosted opportunities for sales, promotion, ticket demand, and hospitality programs. High-priced ticket resales, along with broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals, further strengthened the revenues, alongside the enhanced effectiveness of commercial programs during the tournament. Despite the financial success, there were criticisms regarding the impact of this expansion on the integrity of the sport, including concerns about potential manipulation, the influence of money and political power, and the logistical and organizational challenges that future expansions could bring—especially with the possibility of increasing the number of teams to 64 and hosting a 44-day tournament across six countries and three continents.

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