World Cup 2026 Poised To Deliver Economic Boost To North America
The 2026 FIFA World Cup should deliver significant economic benefits to the United States, Mexico and Canada, but recent political developments could throw a spanner in the works. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, which will ramp up the number of fans who travel to each of the host nations.
Online Gaming
Sportsbooks in North America will also benefit, with the increased number of teams inevitably resulting in a larger number of matches being played. That point has already been evidenced by bettors clamouring to access the latest World Cup odds at Betway during the ongoing qualification stage.
The expanded format and record number of matches will open the door for endless betting possibilities when the tournament gets underway. From outright bets to match betting and more, punters will be spoilt for choice during what promises to be a stunning showcase of international football.
Tourism & Hospitality
The tourism and hospitality sector in each of the host nations will also garner significant revenue when the World Cup is staged next year. Sixteen cities have been chosen to host the prestigious tournament, and each of them will see an uptick in visitor numbers during the tournament. Hotels in the host cities will have high occupancy rates despite cranking up their prices, while restaurants and bars will be packed with football fans. Local transportation networks will also be busier, while retail outlets and tourist attractions will have more visitors than is usually the case.
Hosting the World Cup will create new jobs across each of the cities in sectors such as hospitality, transport, construction and security. There will also be a plethora of volunteer roles available, which can be useful to students who may be looking to gain work experience to enhance their CV.
Political Uncertainty
However, while North America is set for an economic windfall from the World Cup, tournament organisers FIFA will be anxiously awaiting the fallout from the recent political changes in the US. Donald Trump’s second term as US president threatens to throw a spanner in the works given his penchant for making hugely questionable decisions.
Trump reportedly has a cordial relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but that will probably count for little once he gets his feet under the table at the White House again. He has already triggered trade wars with Mexico and Canada, directing 25 percent tariffs on imports and another 10% tariff on Canadian oil, natural, gas and electricity. His ability to cause conflict with countries further afield could also cause sizeable headaches for FIFA in the run-up to the World Cup.
Read More: What Could Trump’s US Mean for UK Businesses? Five Challenges and Opportunities
Hyundai-Kia and Qatar Airways are among FIFA’s sponsors. During his first term in office, Trump wanted to impose sanctions on the South Korean car manufacturer. He has already indicated that he will go head-to-head with the corporation again, while the introduction of further restrictions on Qatar Airways should not be discounted.
Hyundai Motor Group executive chairman Chung Eui-sun recently met Trump’s eldest son at a golf event in the US in the hope of forging a more positive relationship.
Several other organisations reassessed their relationship with the wider sports industry during Trump’s first term as president, and the same could happen this time around.
Infantino will be hoping his so-called friendship with Trump negates some of the issues where FIFA is concerned, but that may be much easier said than done.
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