2026 World Cup: U.S. Host Cities Brace for Lasting Impact

WHO:

The New York Times - FIFA executives, Kathryn Schloessman (CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission), President Trump, Gianni Infantino (FIFA President), representatives from 11 U.S. host cities, and various city mayors including Rahm Emanuel (former Mayor of Chicago) and Zohran Mamdani (New York City mayor).

WHAT:

The New York Times - The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by 11 U.S. cities, with FIFA set to generate more than $11 billion in revenue against an operating budget of $2.7 billion.

The New York Times - Host cities are responsible for costs related to transportation, safety, and security, while FIFA takes the majority of revenue from ticketing, media rights, sponsorship, concessions, and parking.

The New York Times - The estimated $57.8 million in lost tax revenue by Missouri, Georgia, and Florida due to waived taxes on ticket sales.

The New York Times - A $25.8 million jail was originally planned for the World Cup in Kansas City.

The New York Times - A $15 million Dallas Broadcast Center is being built for the tournament, which will be demolished afterward.

The New York Times - The U.S. host cities collectively lobbied for $625 million in security funding from the federal government, which was passed by President Trump.

WHERE:

The New York Times - The 11 U.S. host cities include Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Boston, Houston, Miami, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Philadelphia, Dallas, Kansas City, and Atlanta.

The New York Times - The Dallas International Broadcast Centre is located at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas.

WHEN:

The New York Times - The final match of the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for July 19.

The New York Times - An announcement regarding the U.S. joint bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup is scheduled for later this year.

WHY:

The New York Times - Host cities are concerned about the financial burden and operational challenges stemming from the existing FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting arrangements.

The New York Times - FIFA's president stated that “every dollar goes back into football” and emphasized the need for FIFA to invest in countries that lack investment.

HOW:

The New York Times - Host cities are required to provide “clean stadiums” by removing non-FIFA branding, which has cost some cities nearly $500,000.

The New York Times - Host cities are expected to supply police escorts for FIFA VIPs and special access traffic lanes for FIFA officials.

The New York Times - Cities have signed non-binding memorandums of understanding with FIFA, committing to a “dialogue phase” after the 2026 World Cup.

(UPDATED June 11, 2026 18:06 UTC)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by 11 U.S. cities, generating over $11 billion in revenue against an operating budget of $2.7 billion, with President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino among the key figures involved in the planning. Host cities, including Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, and Miami, are facing financial challenges and have lobbied for $625 million in federal security funding, while also incurring costs for transportation and safety measures. The final match is set for July 19, and later this year, an announcement will be made regarding the U.S. joint bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup.