FIFA estimates that its next two flagship summer tournaments, the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, will generate a staggering $62 billion in global economic impact and $47 billion for the United States, according to new studies released recently.
The soccer governing body, alongside the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat, unveiled two comprehensive socioeconomic reports highlighting the projected financial and social benefits of hosting the tournaments, both set to be primarily staged in the U.S.
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Club World Cup 2025: A new global stage with real stakes
The expanded 32-team Club World Cup, scheduled for June 14 to July 13, 2025, is projected to contribute up to $21.1 billion in global GDP, with $9.6 billion of that within the U.S.
Domestically, the tournament could also generate $17.1 billion in gross output and unlock $3.36 billion in social benefits, while supporting the creation of approximately 105,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.
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FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup is no longer a low-profile exhibition. With Inter Miami and Lionel Messi headlining the opening match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the month-long competition is being billed as a major global football event. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with other host cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Orlando, Nashville, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
World Cup 2026: Global GDP boost and nearly 1 million jobs
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the economic projections are even more significant. The tournament is expected to drive up to $40.9 billion in global GDP, while generating $8.28 billion in social benefits.
Globally, nearly 824,000 jobs could be created, with 185,000 of those expected in the U.S. alone. Domestically, the World Cup could bring in $30.5 billion in gross output and $17.2 billion in GDP.
The 2026 tournament will kick off on June 11 and conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, and metropolitan areas around Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Matches will also be played in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey in Mexico, and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
Studies highlight tangible and intangible value
Both reports were developed by OpenEconomics (OE), an independent economic research group, using Impact Analysis and Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodologies aligned with OECD guidelines. The studies incorporate an inter-country social accounting matrix (SAM), tracking economic impact across 45 sectors in 76 countries, with data from organizations such as the World Bank, OECD, WTO, and UNWTO.
FIFA says the goal of the studies is to capture the full scope of tangible and intangible benefits generated by hosting the tournaments, including infrastructure development, tourism, employment, and social impact.
Prize money reflects football’s global divide
Despite ambitions for inclusivity, the financial rewards remain unequal. European clubs are expected to earn between $12.81 million and $38.19 million for Club World Cup participation. South American clubs follow at $15.21 million, while clubs from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF will earn around $9.55 million. Oceania lags with just $3.58 million per team.
Nevertheless, FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that “every cent” generated will be reinvested into club football. FIFA’s reserves, he added, will remain untouched — a direct rebuttal to critics who accuse the organization of prioritizing profit over progress.
Record-breaking attendance expected
The Club World Cup is expected to draw 3.7 million fans this summer, while 6.5 million spectators are projected to attend the World Cup in 2026, solidifying the U.S. as a global hub for football in the years to come.
With record investment, massive fan engagement, and ambitious growth plans, FIFA’s summer spectacles promise not only unforgettable football but also a historic boost to economies at home and abroad.
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