The 2026 FIFA World Cup, played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to generate a significant temporary economic boost in North America, with an estimated impact of around 9.1 billion dollars (7.9 billion euros at the current exchange rate) on the GDP of the three countries during the competition period, according to a study by Allianz Trade.
The consultant estimates that the effects are mainly concentrated in tourism, hotels, transport and services linked to visitor consumption.
The United States, as the main host (78 of the 104 games), is expected to be the biggest beneficiary in absolute terms, with an estimated contribution of around 5.3 billion euros to GDP — close to 0.1 percentage points of US growth during the period. Cities such as New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami could see notable increases in hotel demand and retail and entertainment spending, although limitations on visas, transportation capacity and long distances could reduce the aggregate effect.
Mexico is expected to record the largest gain proportional to the size of its economy, with an estimated increase of approximately 1.5 billion euros in GDP (around 0.3%). Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey expect strong domestic and international demand, benefiting from local football culture despite infrastructural challenges and security concerns.
Canada, in turn, could see an increase of around 1.1 billion euros in GDP (0.2%), with Toronto and Vancouver among the most favored regions, although accommodation limitations could cause significant price increases, highlights the consultant.
Allianz Trade estimates that investment linked to tourism during the tournament could be around 6.9 billion euros in the region, of which 5.9 billion will come from international visitors and the remaining amount from domestic tourism. Public spending on security will also contribute to the activity, while gains from infrastructure will be limited, given that most of the relevant investments were already completed before the event.
For Portugal, the effect will be indirect and localized. Exports to the three host markets — which in 2025 totaled around 10.4 to 12.1 billion euros in goods — could see a temporary boost. Sectors most likely to benefit include agri-food and beverages (namely wine), textiles, clothing and footwear, and furniture and hotel items. Even so, Allianz Trade emphasizes that the impact will be specific and concentrated in specific segments, with no material effect on the growth trajectory of the Portuguese economy.
