The 2026 FIFA World Cup could generate more than $11 billion in revenue as artificial intelligence changes how teams, broadcasters, stadiums, and betting platforms use tournament data.
The competition will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. This expansion will create more ticket sales, broadcast content, sponsorship exposure and hospitality demand. At the same time, rising prices have raised doubts about whether traditional supporters can afford to attend.
Bank of America estimates that matches, player tracking, venues, broadcasts, and tournament operations could create about 90 petabytes of direct data. That total would be about 45 times the amount produced during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The wider digital system could generate close to two exabytes of data. This estimate includes streaming, social media, betting activity, AI models, simulations, and operational systems. That volume equals about 45,000 years of 4K video.
Teams are expected to use AI tools that process hundreds of millions of FIFA data points. The systems could also track more than 2,000 performance measures in real time. Coaches may use the information to assess movement, fitness, positioning and match patterns.
Meanwhile, stadium operators could use digital models and AI command centers to manage security, transport, crowd movement, and venue operations. Organizers must coordinate these services across three countries, several cities, and more than 100 matches.
FIFA’s revenue budget for the 2023–2026 cycle stands at about $11 billion. That compares with $7.6 billion during the 2019–2022 cycle. Television rights, ticket sales, hospitality packages, and marketing agreements will provide the main revenue sources.
The larger tournament gives broadcasters and sponsors more matches to sell and promote. It also creates additional advertising space across television, streaming services mobile applications, and social platforms.
Betting and prediction markets could add another commercial layer. Estimates cited by Bank of America place US World Cup betting and prediction market activity at $5.9 billion in 2026. The total reached about $1.8 billion during Qatar 2022. Prediction markets alone could account for $2.7 billion.
Ticket prices and dynamic pricing have created concerns among supporters. England fan Andy Milne said his tenth World Cup would be his most expensive. Former Liverpool Chief Executive Peter Moore also questioned the pricing strategy, saying FIFA could risk ‘sacrificing atmosphere and accessibility’ while seeking higher revenue.
Bank of America cited estimates that the tournament could add about $41 billion to global gross domestic product. The United States could receive around $17 billion, while tournament activity may support nearly 824,000 jobs worldwide.
Still, economists often question forecasts linked to major sporting events. Some visitor spending may replace other forms of local spending instead of creating new economic activity. Host cities may also carry costs linked to transport, security, public services and event planning.
The 2026 World Cup will mainly use existing stadiums in large cities. This approach reduces the need to build costly venues that may receive little use after the competition.
Former LA28 Chief Executive Kathy Carter said revenue from events such as the World Cup helps fund football development worldwide. Nevertheless, doubts remain about how much host communities will gain after accounting for public costs, higher prices and short-term visitor spending.
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