It’s already August and FIFA scandals are still in the news. This time, it’s Gianni Infantino’s attempted sale of the World Cup Tournament to investors, some related to US President Trump.
But from June 11 – July 19, World Cup soccer dominated the news cycle in a good way. We eagerly awaited match results, rooted for Team USA (and others if we were among friends), and traded bets with neighbors.
We relished human interest stories about Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalie, the Norwegian Viking Row chant and the Prince of Jordan being rescued by a Hilton Hotel security guard. The buzz intensified.
The FIFA World Cup 26 profits: By the numbers
The FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) marketing machine turned our hunger to connect over common culture into an obsession with soccer… and profited handsomely doing it. Many others did too.
FIFA reported their earnings from the North America World Cup 26 would top $15 billion. They credit the windfall above a projected $11 billion haul to ticket prices and fees collected on the official scalper market. Despite immigration concerns and the sky-high costs that kept international tourism from reaching the peak anticipated by economists, some sectors of each host country’s economy prospered.
Here’s a look at the surprising industries and US destinations that profited from the World Cup… and why.
Energy industry bolstered by aviation fuel
Oil refineries had been producing more refined aviation fuel since the Iran War began. Then in June, IATA, which represents almost 85% of air traffic with its 370-member airlines, forecast that FIFA’s three nation tournament would trigger a spike in demand.
When U.S. Energy Information ?Administration data revealed jet fuel demand rose to 2.15 million barrels per day the week prior to the FIFA World Cup Finals in New Jersey – the previous high was 2.11 million bpd in 2017 – Reuters confirmed globe-trotting football fans were behind it.
Fashion industry floats on the man purse binge
Footballers aren’t shy about kitting themselves out in Dior, Dolce & Gabbana or Comme des Garçons when they’re off the pitch. The Business of Fashion predicts their taste in designer goods may save the luxury market, which has suffered from the Iran War, US tariffs, and high inflation.
What about the handbags? Norway’s Erling Haaland, whose day job is at Manchester City, famously shared his Hermès bag collection on Instagram. Estimated to be worth more than $300,000, Erling’s vintage handbags include several classic Hermès Birkin bags, the maison’s Haut à Courroies (HAC) models, Kelly clutches, and totes from other leading designers.
CNN caught several other footballers, especially on the France team, sporting Birkins, Kellys, Chanel and Vuitton. While CNN explored the evolution of masculinity, the Robb Report complimented Haaland’s investor prowess, since Birkin bags’ resale value has gone up 92% over the past decade.
America’s State of Mind gets a lift
U.S. Travel Association polling (June 2026) confirmed that many American egos were boosted by being World Cup hosts. Four out of five budding ‘Welcome’ ambassadors thought it was important that international travelers have a positive experience while visiting the US, in contrast to the un-welcome shown by branches of the Federal government.
The “real America” on display became classic diners, friendly locals, super-size portions, Buc-ees gas stations and the warm Southern charm displayed by World Cup host cities.
FIFA’s promise that football ‘unites the world’ came through with a boost to national dignity. More than eight in 10 respondents said seeing international visitors enjoy America gave them a sense of pride. A full 86% said they felt genuine joy watching visitors experience the United States.
Residents of two match cities — Kansas City and Houston — were the most enthusiastic about the tournament’s positive effect. And this is despite beer at their local stadiums costing 150% more than the same beer in town!
Chattanooga makes new friends and brings home more gold
Team La Roja left Chattanooga — the training base for the Spain national team — a changed city. While some residents complained about the traffic and civil disruptions, others swooned over the handsome young players and their extensive entourage.
La Roja’s official January 2026 press release announcing the selection of Chattanooga noted the 1941 song “Chattanooga Choo Choo” as “the first song in history to be awarded a gold record.”
The team left with their own gold medal, heaping praise on the locals they met in a lyrical Instagram reel with more than 31,000 likes.
Kansas City’s time in the sun – again!
Since the 1960s, local Missouri and Kansas governments have supported sports teams in the region, building innovative stadiums and attracting fans. Then they heaped on another $700 million over the past 15 years to impress FIFA executives.
It paid off. The MLS Sporting Kansas City team holds the trademark “Soccer Capital of America.” Taylor Swift’s romance with Travis Kelcie, tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, brought the city millions of new fans.
KC was a natural pick to host World Cup 26 games –hosting six matches and serving as a home training base to four teams including Argentina and England. Bank of America’s economic impact report estimates a $20 billion boost to the US economy from World Cup 26. Kansas City — where spending was up 6% over the same period last year — got the highest spending bump among host cities.
Even streaming TV star “Ted Lasso” shot the opening of Season 4 in the character’s hometown of guess where — Kansas City!
Isn’t that profit enough from playing ball?
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