There’s nothing like going to the financial capital of the world to suggest that your event will be a huge financial success.
That was the word from the FIFA World Cup 2026 NY/NJ host committee, which celebrated the fact the World Cup final is one year away by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and announcing a new study shows the region is projected to have a $3.3 billion economic impact in the area.
The study, developed in partnership with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company viewed as a leader in global forecasting and quantitative analysis, offered a number of key data points, including:
- 26,000: Jobs are expected to be supported across both states;
- 1.2 million: Visitors are expected to travel to the region during the tournament;
- $1.3 billion: Projected total labor income in the regional economy;
- $1.7 billion: Projected spending within the regional economy by match and non-match attendees;
- $431.9M: Collected in state and local tax revenues.
First lady Tammy Murphy, the chair of the host committee, summed it up this way:
“The World Cup is not just a global sporting event — it’s a powerful economic engine that will deliver lasting benefits to our region,” she said. “In less than one year from today, more than one billion people around the world will be watching as the FIFA World Cup Final kicks off at NYNJ Stadium. The countdown is on for this once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our region on the world stage.
“Our Host Committee and partners remain focused on our four key pillars — safety, transportation, fan experience, and economic impact — and there is no doubt that the legacy of this tournament will provide a significant economic boost for the region for years to come.”
Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry obviously agreed.
“The Economic Impact Summary underscores the region’s unique position as a global destination capable of hosting the world’s largest single-sport event,” he said. “With world-class infrastructure, cultural diversity, and unmatched connectivity, NY/NJ is poised to deliver a memorable FIFA World Cup experience — on and off the pitch.”
The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 of 2026. And as the world’s most watched sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will shine a global spotlight on New York and New Jersey.
The bell ringing ceremony Monday brought together civic leaders, corporate partners and community stakeholders to celebrate the milestone and the long-term opportunities it represents for the region.
“The FIFA World Cup 26 is more than a moment in time, it’s a legacy-defining opportunity to create lasting economic and social impact for New York and New Jersey,” Lasry said. “From record tourism and global visibility to local investment and job creation, this tournament will help shape the future of our region.”
