FIFA World Cup 2026 Economic Impact for NYC Region Exceeds $3.3B Projection

The FIFA World Cup 2026 generated $3.5 billion in total economic impact across New York and New Jersey, exceeding the region’s original projected impact of $3.3 billion. Activity related to the tournament generated approximately $1.9 billion in direct spending, supported 27,424 total full-and part-time jobs, generated approximately $1.4 billion in total labor income and spurred $414.2 million in total state and local tax revenues, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said.

For the New York/New Jersey region, FIFA World Cup 2026 activity generated $653 million in direct spending for the lodging sector. Other industries that benefited included food and beverage, which saw approximately $346 million in direct spending; retail ($246 million) and transportation ($200 million..

“Our mission was to welcome the world to New York, while making sure that every New Yorker had the chance to participate in and benefit from this once-in-a-generation event,” said Hochul. “And that’s exactly what we did. From increased spending at local businesses and restaurants to higher hotel revenues, the World Cup has left a lasting impact on our state.”