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Record Tickets Sold: Who Reaps World Cup Rewards?
9 Jun
Summary
- World Cup 2026 is projected to earn FIFA nearly $9 billion.
- Host cities bear security and transport costs with little revenue.
- Ticket demand for the tournament is at record levels.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be a financial powerhouse for FIFA. Projections indicate earnings nearing $9 billion, a figure exceeding the entire revenue of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This immense financial gain is driven by record-breaking ticket demand, lucrative broadcast rights, and substantial sponsorship deals.
However, the economic benefits are not evenly distributed. While FIFA stands to profit significantly, the host cities are burdened with substantial costs for security, transportation, and infrastructure. These expenses are considerable, and the direct revenue generated for these cities is often minimal, raising questions about the true financial beneficiaries of hosting such a mega-event.