Who truly profits from the 2026 World Cup? Fans pay, FIFA collects, hosts lose out

The 2026 World Cup, one of the globe's premier sporting events, is shaping up to be an increasingly expensive experience for fans, while its economic benefits for host nations remain a complex equation. FIFA anticipates record revenues, and supporters are willing to spend thousands of dollars to attend, but the economic windfall for host cities and countries is not always as substantial as initially estimated.

"More teams, more matches, extra revenue for the FIFA organizer, but also for the participating teams that receive financial prizes depending on the stage they reached. At the same time, the economic impact on host economies must be analyzed beyond the initial enthusiasm," noted Claudiu Cazacu, a strategy consultant at XTB Romania. This highlights a paradox where FIFA and participating federations secure significant financial gains, while local businesses and host economies do not consistently register the anticipated boost.

For fans, the tournament has become a costly affair. Depending on the number of matches attended, chosen destinations, and travel costs, some supporters have spent over $7,000 even before the final stages. Ticket prices have surged, with resale tickets for the final approaching $11,000, making access a luxury. FIFA also profits from the secondary ticket market, taking a 15% commission on transactions through its official resale platform.

Beyond tickets, accommodation and local transport add to the financial burden. Hotel rates are reportedly 50% higher on match days in host cities. In Los Angeles, parking can cost up to $300, and in New York, some fans paid $98 for train transport to the stadium. Even in Mexico, a beer at the stadium has been priced around 300-310 pesos, equivalent to approximately 15 euros, illustrating the significant costs associated with attending the event.

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More teams, more matches, extra revenue for the FIFA organizer, but also for the participating teams that receive financial prizes depending on the stage they reached. At the same time, the economic impact on host economies must be analyzed beyond the initial enthusiasm.