How Much Financial Impact Did FIFA Have On New York?
Even if you didn't watch a single second of the World Cup this summer, chances are high that you were exposed to some sort of messaging, whether a digital advertisement on the internet or TV, something out in public, or maybe you passed by a stadium where one of the matches were being held and spotted all the FIFA branding.
Governor Hochul has announced some final numbers, including $3.5 billion in regional impact from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
'Premier Destination' - FIFA's Economic Impact on NY & NJ
A recent analysis from Tourism Economics on The Economic and Fiscal Impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the New York and New Jersey Region conducted following this summer's games has identified New York and New Jersey's position as the 'world's premier destination for major global sporting events.' Across the two states, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ generated $3.5 billion in total economic impact, surpassing the projected $3.3 billion number that was released last summer. Direct spending is said to have been $1.9 billion total.
The report details that the soccer tournament created more than 27,000 jobs, generated $1.4 bullion in labor income, and when it comes to state and local tax revenue in the region, brought in more than $414 million.
Welcoming The World To New York
Our mission was to welcome the world to New York, while making sure that every New Yorker had the chance to participate in and benefit from this once-in-a-generation event. And that’s exactly what we did. From increased spending at local businesses and restaurants to higher hotel revenues, the World Cup has left a lasting impact on our state. Here in New York, we want to continue to ensure that New Yorkers are reaping the benefits and joy of the World Cup by building more soccer infrastructure for our kids to play across the state.
Keep in mind, only eight matches in total were held at 'New York New Jersey Stadium,' aka MetLife, but the FIFA World Cup Final was part of those eight, and the site did host other fan events and programs throughout the matches.
Dats showed that more than 645,000 attended matches held in the NY/NJ region, and when it comes to other World Cup-related activities, almost double that amount, another 626,300 traveled to the region to participate.
A breakdown of the tournament's economic benefits demonstrated the following statistics:
- Approximately $653 million in direct spending on lodging
- Approximately $346 million in direct spending on food and beverage
- Approximately $264 million in direct spending on retail
- Approximately $200 million in direct spending on transportation
- Appriximately $195 million in direct spending on recreation and entertainment
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