2026 World Cup Host Cities Face $100 Million-Plus Costs as FIFA Keeps Billions in Revenue
Updated
Updated · Smith College Grécourt Gate · Jun 11
2026 World Cup Host Cities Face $100 Million-Plus Costs as FIFA Keeps Billions in Revenue
1 articles · Updated · Smith College Grécourt Gate · Jun 11
Summary
Host cities staging four to eight matches in the 2026 World Cup will likely see costs run well above $100 million while receiving little to no event revenue, economist Andrew Zimbalist said.
FIFA captures the main income streams — billions from broadcast rights, all ticket sales, 30% of resale tickets, and most signage, advertising and sponsorship revenue — leaving cities with security, transport and other operating bills.
Tourism gains may also disappoint: soccer fans arrive, but other visitors and some locals often stay away because of congestion, higher prices and security concerns, making the net local effect neutral or negative.
Foxborough and Boston's dispute over added security costs reflects a broader pattern, Zimbalist said, with host governments still scrambling over who pays and taxpayers potentially covering remaining gaps.
Zimbalist said cities still pursue mega-events for political visibility and business interests such as construction and finance, even though independent economists generally find little lasting local economic benefit.