April 6, 2025— FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat have released two comprehensive studies forecasting a combined USD 47 billion in economic output from the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and FIFA World Cup 2026™, with the United States set to reap substantial benefits as the primary host nation. Conducted by independent research firm OpenEconomics (OE), the studies provide in-depth analysis of the global and domestic socioeconomic impact of FIFA’s flagship events, assessing both tangible and intangible contributions, including direct, indirect, and induced effects. The research is part of the ongoing GoalEconomy initiative, launched by FIFA and the WTO to explore how football can be a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic development worldwide.
According to the findings, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ set to be the largest in history with 6.5 million expected attendees across host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico — could contribute as much as USD 40.9 billion to global GDP and deliver USD 8.28 billion in global social benefits. The tournament is also projected to support the creation of nearly 824,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs worldwide. Specifically in the United States, OE estimates that the World Cup will generate USD 30.5 billion in gross output, add USD 17.2 billion to GDP, and create approximately 185,000 FTE jobs.
The separate study on the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, which marks the debut of the new 32-team format and will also be hosted in the United States, highlights the tournament’s potential to further stimulate economic growth. With an anticipated attendance of 3.7 million across 11 host cities, the event could inject up to USD 21.1 billion into the global GDP, including USD 9.6 billion directly into the U.S. economy. In addition, it is expected to generate USD 17.1 billion in gross output and unlock USD 3.36 billion in social benefits across the United States while supporting approximately 105,000 jobs.
The publication of these studies follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the WTO Public Forum in September 2022, signaling a joint commitment to analyzing and leveraging football’s role in global economic development. FIFA President Infantino emphasized that the data confirms football’s power beyond the pitch, describing the sport as “an engine for economic growth, job creation, and community development.” Dr. Okonjo-Iweala echoed this sentiment, noting that the studies “show the immense potential football holds in unlocking trade and economic growth, especially for developing nations.”
With preparations underway for both tournaments, the studies reinforce the idea that major global football events not only serve as cultural spectacles but also deliver lasting economic and social impact. As the world counts down to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and FIFA World Cup 2026™, the latest research highlights the critical role of sport in shaping inclusive growth and sustainable development in host nations and beyond.
Source: FIFA
