US Cities to Witness Tourism Boom as World Cup Arrives, Analysis Predicts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off in North America, drawing millions of international visitors to the US and boosting tourism spending across host cities. According to a report by Tourism Economics, soccer fans traveling from abroad will drive significant revenue growth for local economies.
The tournament, which takes place every four years, is expected to attract 1.2 million international visitors, including spectators, match officials, and team representatives. This influx of foreign tourists is forecast to provide a substantial economic boost, with some studies suggesting that the World Cup could generate billions of dollars in economic activity across host cities.
Researchers point to the Trump administration's trade policies as a major contributor to a decline in international tourism in 2025. However, the forecast suggests that next year will see a growth of 3.7% in international visits, partly driven by the World Cup. International travelers are expected to stay for an average of 12 days, attend two matches each, and spend over $400 per day.
The economic benefits of hosting the World Cup extend beyond tourism, with local businesses set to reap from increased foot traffic. Hotels in host cities are preparing for record occupancy rates, while local governments will benefit from a boost in tax revenue.
In terms of specific cities, the report predicts significant growth in tourist spending. The top 11 US cities scheduled to host matches are expected to witness substantial gains in tourism revenue, with Atlanta, Boston, and New York/New Jersey among those likely to see significant increases.
As the World Cup approaches, US cities are gearing up for a major influx of visitors, driven by soccer fans from around the globe. With international travelers expected to spend millions on travel, accommodation, and activities, next year's tournament promises to be a major economic driver for host cities across North America.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off in North America, drawing millions of international visitors to the US and boosting tourism spending across host cities. According to a report by Tourism Economics, soccer fans traveling from abroad will drive significant revenue growth for local economies.
The tournament, which takes place every four years, is expected to attract 1.2 million international visitors, including spectators, match officials, and team representatives. This influx of foreign tourists is forecast to provide a substantial economic boost, with some studies suggesting that the World Cup could generate billions of dollars in economic activity across host cities.
Researchers point to the Trump administration's trade policies as a major contributor to a decline in international tourism in 2025. However, the forecast suggests that next year will see a growth of 3.7% in international visits, partly driven by the World Cup. International travelers are expected to stay for an average of 12 days, attend two matches each, and spend over $400 per day.
The economic benefits of hosting the World Cup extend beyond tourism, with local businesses set to reap from increased foot traffic. Hotels in host cities are preparing for record occupancy rates, while local governments will benefit from a boost in tax revenue.
In terms of specific cities, the report predicts significant growth in tourist spending. The top 11 US cities scheduled to host matches are expected to witness substantial gains in tourism revenue, with Atlanta, Boston, and New York/New Jersey among those likely to see significant increases.
As the World Cup approaches, US cities are gearing up for a major influx of visitors, driven by soccer fans from around the globe. With international travelers expected to spend millions on travel, accommodation, and activities, next year's tournament promises to be a major economic driver for host cities across North America.