The expanded format will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, creating a significantly larger event than previous World Cups. The report says that increased schedule will help drive higher attendance and extend the tournament’s reach beyond traditional football markets.
More fixtures also mean more opportunities for host cities, businesses and supporters. The competition will have a longer commercial and cultural footprint, with fan zones, hospitality, transport and tourism all expected to benefit if demand matches the projection.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will share hosting duties, making the 2026 tournament a continental operation rather than a single-country event. That creates a broad platform for football, but also places added pressure on travel planning, venue coordination and supporter movement.
The geographical spread could give the tournament a distinctive identity. Fans will experience different football cultures and cities, while the hosts will have a chance to strengthen the sport’s position in a region where interest has grown rapidly.
The projected US$40.9 billion impact and 824,000 jobs represent forecasts rather than final outcomes. Their significance will depend on how effectively the host countries convert matchday demand into lasting benefits for local communities.
The key test will be whether the tournament leaves more than packed stadiums and short-term tourism gains. Infrastructure, employment and long-term participation will determine the competition’s broader legacy.
With the tournament expected to begin on June 11, attention will now turn to ticket demand, travel logistics and preparations across the three host nations. The first major storyline will be whether the World Cup’s unprecedented scale can deliver the impact being projected.