Boston's World Cup Investment Shows Promising Early Returns

WHO:

Boston.com - Boston bars, Airbnb hosts, hotel owners, MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority), FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), Joe Brusuelas (chief US economist for RBS), Michael Edwards (professor of sport management at North Carolina State University).

WHAT:

Boston.com - Boston bars experienced a 28% increase in transactions during the FIFA World Cup.

Boston.com - Airbnb revenue in Boston rose by 27% during the event.

Boston.com - Hotel rates in Boston surged during the World Cup.

CNN - FIFA estimated the 2026 World Cup would cost $13.9 billion to host, with $11.1 billion covered by the United States.

CNN - FIFA projected the World Cup would generate $80.1 billion in global economic benefit, including $30.5 billion for the United States.

CNN - FIFA claimed the World Cup would create the equivalent of 185,000 full-time jobs in the United States.

CNN - Boston saw a 7.6% increase in small business sales during the World Cup.

CNN - Gambling companies took in an estimated $2.25 billion in wagers during the World Cup.

WHERE:

Boston.com - The events took place in Boston, Massachusetts.

CNN - The World Cup was hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

WHEN:

CNN - A report from FIFA was released in March 2025.

WHY:

CNN - The economic benefit of hosting the World Cup is often measured by comparing the costs of the event to the financial gains it generates.

CNN - The World Cup coincided with the Iran war, which raised consumer prices and affected demand.

HOW:

CNN - Event organizers hire economists to make financial cases for the benefits of hosting large sporting events like the World Cup.

(UPDATED July 20, 2026 15:37 UTC)

Boston bars saw a remarkable 28% increase in transactions during the FIFA World Cup, while Airbnb revenue in the city rose by 27% as hotel rates surged. Overall, FIFA estimated that hosting the 2026 World Cup would cost $13.9 billion, with the U.S. covering $11.1 billion, and projected it would generate $80.1 billion in global economic benefits, including $30.5 billion for the United States. In Boston alone, small business sales increased by 7.6%, and gambling companies reported an estimated $2.25 billion in wagers during the event.