World Cup 2026 Set to Supercharge the U.S. Economy
BMO Financial Group’s latest analysis suggests that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across North America, could inject as much as US$81 billion into the United States’ quarterly gross domestic product. The bulk of the economic lift is expected to stem from a higher concentration of host cities within the United States, which would draw a disproportionate share of fan travel, accommodation and entertainment spending.
According to the forecast, tourism‑related outlays could range between US$22 billion and US$76 billion, with an additional US$1 billion to US$5 billion arising from heightened domestic consumption. Sectors such as hotels, airlines, restaurants and entertainment venues are identified as the primary beneficiaries, potentially boosting quarterly annualised GDP growth by 0.1 to 0.3 percentage points during the second and third quarters of 2026.
BMO senior economist Scott Anderson and chief economist Douglas Porter highlighted that the event’s impact will be temporary but meaningful, especially for regions hosting matches. Employment in the affected industries may see a modest, short‑term rise, reflecting the surge in labor demand for hospitality and service roles.
The tournament will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches, with two‑thirds of the host cities located in the United States, reinforcing the nation’s role as the main economic engine of the competition. BMO’s long‑standing involvement in North American soccer, spanning more than two decades of grassroots and professional league partnerships, underpins the credibility of the projection.