The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to provide a modest boost to tourism and hospitality spending across North America, according to a William Blair report.
The tournament begins June 11, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. It features a record 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities.
Leisure, hospitality, and tourism businesses will benefit most. Spending in stadium-area zip codes rose 7% year-over-year during the 2025 Club World Cup, driven by restaurants and bars.
Cities less frequented by international visitors may see the biggest gains. In major hubs like New York and Miami, World Cup visitors may replace existing travel demand.
Ticket pricing remains a concern due to dynamic pricing. International travel faces uncertainties with visa processing and costs. Historical data shows World Cup-winning nations outperform global equities by 5.5% post-final.
