FIFA's 2026 World Cup: Record Profits, Unequal Burdens

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is poised to shatter financial records, with projections indicating a staggering $13 billion in revenue. FIFA's expansion of the tournament to 48 teams is a key driver of this windfall, but it also amplifies the financial strain on participating nations, particularly those with limited resources. While FIFA stands to reap unprecedented profits, some member associations are voicing concerns about the escalating costs of qualification and participation, raising questions about the equity of the global football economy.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has championed the expanded format as a means of growing the sport's global footprint, but critics argue that the financial benefits are disproportionately concentrated at the top. The tournament's massive earnings will come from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, with North America's large stadiums and robust infrastructure expected to maximize revenue. However, for smaller footballing nations, the path to 2026 is fraught with financial challenges, from funding extensive qualification campaigns to covering the costs of competing on the world's biggest stage.