The 2026 FIFA World Cup generated an estimated $3.5 billion in total economic impact across New York and New Jersey, exceeding the region’s original forecast by $200 million, according to a post-tournament analysis by Tourism Economics.
The study, commissioned by the New York/New Jersey Host Committee, found that the tournament generated approximately $1.9 billion in direct economic activity, supported 27,424 full- and part-time jobs and generated around $1.4 billion in labour income.
State and local governments also benefited significantly, collecting an estimated $414.2 million in tax revenue linked to World Cup activity.
The region hosted eight World Cup matches at New York-New Jersey Stadium, including the final, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
More than 645,000 fans attended matches
More than 645,000 fans attended the eight matches, while a further 626,300 non-local visitors travelled to New York and New Jersey for World Cup-related activities, including official fan events outside the stadium.
Together, match and non-match visitors generated approximately $1.7 billion in direct spending across the region.
The economic impact was spread across several major sectors. Accommodation businesses accounted for approximately $653 million in direct spending, followed by food and beverage at $346 million, retail at $264 million, transportation at $200 million and recreation and entertainment at $195 million.
$3.5 billion total impact
The $1.9 billion in direct economic activity generated further spending throughout the regional economy.
Tourism Economics estimated that business supply-chain activity created an additional $693 million in indirect economic activity, while workers spending tournament-related income generated another $916 million in induced activity.
Together, those effects brought the total economic impact to $3.5 billion.
The food and beverage sector recorded the largest employment impact, supporting approximately 4,500 jobs, followed by transportation with around 4,400 jobs and accommodation with roughly 4,000.
Of the $1.4 billion in total labour income generated by the tournament, approximately $792 million came from direct activity, with a further $580 million generated through indirect and induced effects.
World Cup exceeded original forecast
The final $3.5 billion figure was higher than Tourism Economics’ $3.3 billion projection released in July 2025.
The higher-than-expected result was partly attributed to greater operational spending by the host committee, governments and other stakeholders, as well as stronger-than-anticipated attendance at official fan events.
The region also attracted a larger proportion of international match attendees than originally projected, although this was partly offset by a higher share of local spectators.
The tournament generated an estimated $759 million in total federal, state and local tax revenue, including approximately $174 million in sales taxes and nearly $39 million in hotel bed taxes.
Economic legacy extends beyond the tournament
Organisers said the World Cup’s legacy will extend beyond the immediate economic impact.
A total of 17 community mini-pitches have been completed or are under development across New York and New Jersey. Host Committee programmes also reached more than 5,000 young people through football clinics, tournaments and community events.
New York/New Jersey Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry said the final figures showed that the region had exceeded expectations, while highlighting the longer-term value of investments, partnerships and global exposure generated by the tournament.
The organisers now hope that the infrastructure, tourism visibility, commercial partnerships and grassroots football programmes created around the World Cup will continue to generate economic and social benefits across the region long after the tournament has ended.