FIFA World Cup Adds $3.5 Billion to New York and New Jersey Economies

The FIFA World Cup 2026 generated $3.5 billion in total economic impact across New York and New Jersey, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a Wednesday (Aug. 26) press release.

Citing a study conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, Hochul said World Cup activity in New York and New Jersey generated $1.9 billion in direct economic activity, $693 million in indirect business activity and $916 million in inducted economic activity, according to the release.

The direct spending included $653 million in lodging, $346 million in food and beverage, $264 million in retail, $200 million in transportation and $195 million in recreation and entertainment.

The event’s activity supported 27,424 full- and part-time jobs, generated $1.4 billion in total labor income and spurred $414.2 million in state and local tax revenues, per the release.

“From increased spending at local businesses and restaurants to higher hotel revenues, the World Cup has left a lasting impact on our state,” Hochul said in the release.

PYMNTS reported in March that the FIFA World Cup is the planet’s version of America’s Super Bowl and that the event is a monthlong global festival that creates a roaming economic weather system.

In June, PYMNTS reported that this year’s FIFA World Cup was a roaming retail platform with 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across three countries.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development said in a July 8 press release that when Philadelphia hosted six FIFA World Cup matches, it welcomed more than 500,000 visitors and added $770 million to the commonwealth’s economy.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a July 13 press release that Massachusetts hosted seven FIFA World Cup matches, saw 447,283 fans attend the matches, had 160,000 attendees from 180 countries visit the FIFA Fan Festival and experienced economic activity across the state.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a July 17 press release that when Missouri hosted six matches, he was able to engage with government and business leaders from across the nation and the world and promote the state as an ideal place to invest and grow a business.

Miami-Dade County said in a July 20 press release that the county hosted seven FIFA World Cup matches, welcomed more than 500,000 fans from around the globe and saw hotel revenue generated per room increase 27% year over year.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a July 27 press release that California hosted 14 FIFA World Cup matches, welcomed more than 970,000 fans across two venues and brought in an estimated $1.5 billion in statewide economic impact.