2026 World Cup: Is the billion-dollar business destroying football?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be the largest tournament in history, yet it is shadowed by concerns over its escalating commercialization and potential impact on the sport's soul.

Despite the grandeur, the tournament faces the prospect of half-empty stadiums for some matches, coupled with record-breaking ticket prices. Meanwhile, FIFA is set to profit billions, and a growing number of investors are acquiring traditional football clubs, transforming them into mere investment vehicles. This influx of capital raises questions about the true beneficiaries of football's booming economy.

As clubs, federations, and owners increasingly capitalize on new revenue streams, a significant portion of the fanbase worries that football is losing the very qualities that once made it special. The sport, once a passion for many, is increasingly perceived as a global business enterprise.

This discussion, featured in the latest episode of "Was jetzt? – Die Woche," delves into who truly profits from football's multi-billion dollar boom. It examines the actual economic benefits of the 2026 World Cup and questions whether the sport's growing commercialization is fundamentally altering its nature. The conversation features host Dilan Gropengiesser and sports editor Oliver Fritsch.