The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee has announced that the tournament generated $3.5 billion in total economic impact across the region, surpassing its original $3.3 billion projection.
Backed by strong visitor turnout, high international attendance, and robust local fan engagement during the eight matches hosted at New York New Jersey Stadium—including the World Cup Final—the tournament delivered sweeping economic and social benefits throughout the tristate area.
According to a comprehensive post-event impact study conducted by Tourism Economics (an Oxford Economics company), the tournament spurred unprecedented activity across local industries:
- Direct Spending: Reached approximately $1.9 billion, fueled by more than 645,000 match attendees and 626,300 non-local visitors.
- Job Creation: Supported 27,424 total jobs (full- and part-time) across the region, translating into roughly $1.4 billion in total labor income.
- Tax Revenue: Delivered $414.2 million in state and local tax revenues, alongside $759 million in total public sector receipts.
- Industry Gains: Lodging saw roughly $653 million in direct spending, followed by food and beverage ($346 million), retail ($264 million), transportation ($200 million), and recreation ($195 million).
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill highlighted the widespread benefits felt across the state, noting that the tournament demonstrated New Jersey’s world-class infrastructure, diversity, and hospitality.
“From the first match through the World Cup Final, we showed that New Jersey has the infrastructure, workforce, diversity, and hospitality to bring people together and successfully host events of this scale,” Sherrill said. “Hotel occupancy was up, more than 300,000 fans attended the 34 community grant events we brought to every part of the state, and state revenues exceeded expectations in July.”
Beyond match days, the tournament’s legacy continues to take root through long-term investments. Regional initiatives include 17 community mini-pitches completed or in development, community programs engaging thousands of youths, and the Welcome World Rewards Program, which drove more than 10,000 visits to small businesses and restaurants across over 1,000 participating local locations.
The final economic and impact report can be accessed here.
