FIFA expects to generate more than $13 billion in revenue from the 2026 World Cup cycle. That would make it the most lucrative football tournament in history.
The projection covers broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, ticket sales, and other commercial revenue. The 2026 tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The expansion from 32 to 48 teams means more matches and more broadcast hours. The United States alone is the world's largest advertising market. Staging games in major American cities gives FIFA access to corporate spending power that previous host nations could not match.
Broadcasting rights are the single largest revenue source. Sponsorship is the second pillar. The expanded format gives sponsors more opportunities to reach global audiences.
Matches will be played in some of North America's largest stadiums, including NFL venues with capacities of 70,000 to 80,000 fans. This volume of available seats should push ticketing revenue far beyond what was possible in Qatar's smaller venues.
Notably, FIFA's revenue projection contains zero references to cryptocurrency or blockchain-related income. After a high-profile push into sports sponsorships during 2021 and 2022, major sports organizations are taking a more cautious approach to digital asset partnerships following the industry's high-profile collapses.