2026 World Cup set to shatter revenue records with $10.9 billion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is projected to generate unprecedented revenues of $10.9 billion, making it the most profitable edition in the tournament’s history.

This edition of the World Cup marks the first time the tournament will be staged across three countries on the same continent, a move that has driven both commercial interest and audience growth.

According to a Sport Value report, the revenue forecast represents a 56% increase over the 2022 World Cup, which brought in around $7 billion, and more than double the $5.3 billion earned in 2018.

The surge in earnings is attributed to the expanded tournament format, increased global viewership, and stronger demand across commercial markets.

Television rights remain the primary revenue driver, with broadcasting contracts expected to reach $4.2 billion — a 24% rise from the previous edition.

Sponsorship deals are also projected to reach record levels, estimated at $2.8 billion, up 59% from 2022.

Ticketing and hospitality revenue are set to experience the most dramatic growth, estimated at $3 billion — an amount equal to the total ticket income of the last six World Cups combined.

This reflects both the larger stadium capacities across the three host nations and the anticipated surge in attendance, with millions of fans expected to travel for matches.

As the tournament approaches, analysts predict that this financial leap will reinforce football’s status as the world’s most lucrative sport and set new benchmarks for future events.

With the global spotlight on North America, the 2026 World Cup is poised to combine sporting spectacle with commercial success, reshaping expectations for football revenue generation.