By Megan Cerullo
Reporter, MoneyWatch
November 25, 2025 / 5:31 PM EST / CBS News
Soccer fans traveling to the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across North America, are expected to drive tourism spending in 11 U.S. host cities and give a substantial lift to local economies, according to Tourism Economics, a global travel data provider.
Tourism Economics projects the tournament will bring about 1.2 million international visitors, including ticketed spectators, their non-ticketed companions, national team personnel, match officials and others. The World Cup begins June 12 in Los Angeles. Seventy-eight matches will be played in 11 U.S. cities, with 26 additional games in Mexico and Canada. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The U.S. metro areas set to host matches are Atlanta; Boston; Dallas; Houston; Kansas City, Mo.; Los Angeles; Miami; New York/New Jersey; Philadelphia; the San Francisco Bay Area; and Seattle.
After a weak year for international tourism in 2025, the U.S. is forecast to see a rebound in 2026, in part because of the World Cup. Tourism Economics noted that negative perceptions of the Trump administration’s trade policies likely contributed to a 6.3% drop in international visitors in 2025. The firm now forecasts 3.7% growth in international visits next year, saying the global appetite to be part of the tournament will partly offset other headwinds to travel.
A separate analysis by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates the influx of visitors to host cities will likely generate billions of dollars in economic activity, benefiting hospitality, transportation and retail sectors. Hotels in host cities are preparing for record occupancy, while local businesses expect increased foot traffic. The event also offers a platform to raise the host cities’ profiles as global tourist destinations.
Tourism Economics’ analysis estimates international visitors will stay in the U.S. an average of 12 days, attend about two matches each, and typically spend more than $400 per day.
Edited by Alain Sherter
In: World Cup
