The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is projected to become the most lucrative sporting event in history, with Fifa forecasting revenues of $13bn (£9.6bn) for the four-year cycle culminating in this summer’s tournament. Nearly $9bn of that total is expected to be generated in 2026 alone, dwarfing the $5.24bn generated by the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Revenue Growth and Key Drivers
Fifa’s revenue has surged dramatically, increasing by 73% compared to the 2018-2022 cycle, which brought in $7.5bn. The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, resulting in 104 matches (up from 64), has provided more content for broadcasters. Additionally, favourable kick-off times for North American and European markets have boosted broadcasting deals, projected to generate $3.4bn, up from $3.1bn in 2022.
Ticket sales and hospitality are expected to contribute around $3bn, a significant leap from the $950m earned in Qatar. Dynamic pricing has pushed ticket costs higher, with the cheapest final ticket at $4,185—seven times the cost of the 2022 final. The most expensive ticket for the final is $10,990, nearly seven times the top price in Qatar. Despite complaints, demand remains high, with Fifa receiving over 500 million applications for seven million seats.
Sponsorship revenues have reached a record $2.7bn, with 16 global partners including Adidas, Aramco, and Coca-Cola, plus numerous regional deals. Licensing adds a further $670m. Fifa’s chief business officer, Romy Gai, stated that this is already the most successful commercial programme in the organisation’s history.
Where the Money Goes
As a not-for-profit, Fifa plans to reinvest at least $11.67bn into global football development. Direct funding to member associations totals $2.7bn, with each of the 211 federations receiving a guaranteed $5m per cycle, plus potential project funding. Tournament costs, including the 2026 World Cup, amount to $3.8bn. Prize money has been increased by 15% to $871m, with each of the 48 teams guaranteed $12.5m, up from $10.5m.
However, host cities face financial challenges. Fifa retains income from broadcasting, sponsorship, tickets, and venue services like parking, while cities bear costs for safety, security, and transport. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticised Fifa for not contributing to transport costs, after NJ Transit announced $150 round-trip fares from Manhattan to the stadium. Some cities have scaled back fan festivals, with New York cancelling its planned event entirely.
Tax and Host Nation Challenges
Fifa has secured federal tax exemptions for itself, but national associations and players remain liable for US taxes, which can reach 37% on individual earnings. Canada and Mexico have granted tax exemptions for visiting teams, but US state and city taxes vary, creating unequal burdens. Oriana Morrison, a tax accountant advising federations, noted that while Fifa benefits from tax exemptions, associations and players do not, making the US tax authorities major winners.
US Soccer expects to receive around $100m from Fifa, based on a 1% revenue share, a stark contrast to 1994 when hosts retained ticket and domestic commercial revenues. Former US Soccer president Alan Rothenberg recalled that in 1994, the host committee had significant revenue opportunities, whereas now they face limited income streams despite bearing operational responsibilities.
Fifa’s Leadership and Future
Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who is expected to stand unopposed for a third term, saw his annual bonus rise from $2m to $3m in 2025 due to the Club World Cup’s success, bringing his total pay to $6m. His compensation is likely to increase further given the World Cup’s financial performance.
Despite tensions with host cities, Infantino remains confident, calling the tournament “the greatest event that humanity has ever seen.” With record revenues and global interest, the 2026 World Cup is set to redefine the financial landscape of international sports.
