A record 6,810,966 spectators attended 104 matches across 16 venues. The United States hosted games in 11 cities, with Mexico and Canada staging matches in three and two venues respectively. In Kansas City and across Kansas and Missouri, visiting Algerian, Argentine and English fans were welcomed by local communities.
Hymes pointed to players embracing local culture, including Erling Haaland joining Norway supporters’ post-match routine. On the pitch, Spain claimed a second World Cup title with a defence Hymes described as difficult to break down. The United States reached the last 16 before losing 4-1 to Belgium, while debutants Cape Verde drew all three group games and took Argentina to extra time in the last 32.
The World Cup is the first landmark in a crowded US sports calendar: the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics, the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031, the women’s tournament in 2033, and the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Salt Lake City. Hymes argues that the benefits should extend beyond ticket sales and television audiences.
The tournament is reportedly worth about $15 billion to . “If made billions of dollars, we should get some of those billions too,” Hymes said, making the case for investment in football development in host countries.
The next measure of success will be what remains after the crowds leave: stronger local football pathways and deeper ties between communities. As the next major events approach, whether World Cup revenues support that legacy will be a key storyline.