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The tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico is expected to bring in the highest revenue in football history, while criticism of commercialization and costs to fans continues to mount...
The 2026 World Cup, being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, is projected to be the most profitable event in FIFA's history. While the organization presents itself as a non-profit institution aimed at developing global football, critics argue that the tournament's economic model is increasingly orienting football towards maximizing revenue.
According to FIFA projections, revenue for the 2023-2026 cycle could reach between $11 billion and $13 billion. By comparison, the 2018 World Cup in Russia generated $6.4 billion, while Qatar 2022 brought in a record $7.57 billion.
A significant portion of the growth is expected to come from ticket sales and VIP packages. FIFA predicts more than $3.1 billion in revenue from this sector, compared with about $950 million in Qatar. The organization has taken direct control of the sale of premium packages and is using dynamic pricing models that adjust according to market demand.
Expanding the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams will increase the number of matches from 64 to 104. FIFA presents this as a greater opportunity for smaller national teams, but the analysis highlights that the new format also creates more room for revenue from television broadcasts, advertising and ticket sales.
Another financial advantage for FIFA is that most of the stadiums in North America already exist. Unlike Qatar, which invested heavily in new infrastructure, FIFA will use modern arenas without having to finance their construction. Many of the adaptation and security costs are covered by local authorities and stadium owners.
The Tribuna analysis also focuses on FIFA’s political structure. The organization operates as a non-profit association based in Switzerland, and each national federation has an equal vote at the FIFA Congress. The “FIFA Forward” program, which distributes funds for the development of football in member federations, is considered by the author as an important instrument for maintaining political support for the organization’s current leadership.
Meanwhile, ticket prices have sparked widespread debate. The dynamic pricing system has significantly increased the cost of attending matches, while some fan groups and disability rights organizations have expressed concerns about the accessibility and economic affordability of the tournament.
Host cities also face financial challenges. While FIFA benefits from ticket revenue, sponsorships and television rights, local authorities cover a significant portion of the costs of security, transportation and organizing activities for fans. This has fueled political debates in several US states about the balance between public costs and economic benefits.
The 2026 World Cup is set to remain one of the most watched sporting events on the planet. However, beyond the sporting aspect, the tournament is also becoming a major test for FIFA's economic model and the way the financial benefits of global football are distributed.
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