Club World Cup, a 9.6 billion economic impact in the US

The economic impact of the FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup in the United States could be $47 billion, on the global GDP of more than $62 billion. These estimates are contained in two studies published by FIFA and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat. The analyses were carried out by OpenEconomics, an independent body that supports institutions and companies in the development of investment policies and projects, adopting both impact analysis and social return on investment (Sroi) methodologies, in line with the guidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, to assess the value generated with respect to the investments made.

As for the 2025 Club World Cup, a total attendance of 3.7 million people is estimated, with local and international fans flocking to the 11 cities hosting the tournament. The event could help generate up to $21.1 billion in global GDP, including $9.6 billion in the United States. The study also revealed that the World Cup for Clubs could generate $17.1 billion in gross domestic product and unlock $3.36 billion in social benefits in the United States, while supporting the creation of some 105,000 jobs.

The analysis of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, on the other hand, shows that 6.5 million people will flock to the three host countries - in addition to the US, Canada and Mexico. The national team tournament, therefore, could help generate up to $40.9 billion in GDP globally, provide $8.28 billion in social benefits, and support the creation of nearly 824,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs globally. Specifically, 185,000 jobs could be created in the United States, with 30.5 billion in gross output and $17.2 billion in GDP.

Meanwhile, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that FIFA will make a $1 million contribution to each of the 11 cities that will host matches at the next Club World Cup 2025 - Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington - to build small pitches with the aim of promoting the development of the US football movement and to support other local social projects. "This means, ideally, installing mini pitches and organising football activities with children on these pitches in the areas where they are most needed in each city, which will ensure that the impact of this groundbreaking global tournament will be felt for years to come," Infantino explained. "This donation is a symbol and a signal that we want to do something for the community, because one of the things that strikes me here in North America, and that needs to change, is that there are not enough facilities to play football.

Returning to the Club World Cup, Inter Milan will make their debut tonight (3am Italian time) against the Mexican side Monterrey, while Juventus will be on stage on Thursday (also 3am Italian time) against the Emiratinians Al-Ain.