The 2026 World Cup is expected to generate record revenue for FIFA; see the values
After Belgium beat the USA, the international press reacts to Trump's interference in FIFA
The 2026 World Cup is expected to become the most profitable edition in FIFA's history. Driven by the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams and the increase to 104 matches, the entity estimates to raise around US$8.9 billion from the competition, approximately US$2 billion more than in the 2022 edition, held in Qatar.
The World Cup is the main driver of FIFA's financial cycle between 2023 and 2026. For the period, the entity revised its revenue forecast to a record US$13 billion, around US$2 billion above the initial budget approved in 2023. By the end of 2024, 62% of this amount had already been guaranteed by signed contracts.
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The growth is attributed to the expansion of the 2026 World Cup, the holding of the 2023 Women's World Cup and the creation of the 2025 Club World Cup.
Over the cycle, FIFA plans to invest US$ 12.9 billion, of which more than 90% will be reinvested in the development of football.
Of the total estimated for 2026, US$ 3.925 billion should come from the sale of broadcasting rights, equivalent to 44% of revenue.
Another $3.017 billion is expected from hospitality and ticket sales - a record driven by the increased number of matches and the use of large-capacity stadiums - while marketing rights are expected to generate $1.786 billion.
US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino pose for a photo with the World Cup trophy in the Oval Office at the White House. Photo from August 2025.
Disclosure/Casa Branca
To organize the tournament, FIFA foresees a budget of US$3.756 billion. The financial surplus should also reinforce development programs for the sport.
In addition to FIFA's own revenue, the World Cup has moved several sectors of the economy. Companies responsible for operating food and beverages in stadiums record strong growth in sales.
In some places, average spending by fans reached US$100 per person during matches, almost double that seen in NFL games, according to Bloomberg.
Host cities are also beginning to register positive impacts. Data from Bank of America, referring to the period from June 10th to 21st, shows a 6.3% increase in spending on credit and debit cards in cities hosting matches, compared to the same period last year. Among visitors from other cities, the increase was 16.7%.
Another novelty of the competition was the adoption of a mandatory three-minute break for hydration in all matches.
The measure was created to reduce the effects of high temperatures and humidity faced by players in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but it also began to be used commercially, opening space for advertising actions by World Cup sponsors and other advertisers.
The increase in revenue occurs in the midst of an edition marked by controversies. Among the most talked about episodes are the annulment of the red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun, criticism of high ticket prices and the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Record prize pool
Ricardo Ade, from Haiti, applauds fans after the match
IMAGES via Reuters/Jordan Godfree
The expansion of the World Cup also significantly increased the prize pool distributed to the teams. The total amount doubled and reached a record US$871 million.
Each of the 48 participating teams receives at least US$12.5 million. The amount includes US$ 2.5 million allocated to preparation for the tournament and US$ 10 million guaranteed even for teams eliminated in the group stage.
As a result, no team leaves the World Cup without millionaire revenue, regardless of performance on the field.
Source: G1