By Megan Cerullo, Reporter, MoneyWatch
November 25, 2025 / 5:31 PM EST / CBS News
An analysis from Tourism Economics finds that soccer fans traveling to the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup will drive a major surge in tourism spending across 11 U.S. host metros and deliver a meaningful lift to local economies.
Tourism Economics projects roughly 1.2 million international visitors will come to the U.S. for the tournament — a total that includes ticketed spectators, non-ticketed companions, national team staff, match officials and other attendees. The World Cup opens June 12 in Los Angeles; 78 matches will be staged in 11 U.S. cities, with 26 additional games in Mexico and Canada. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The U.S. host metro areas 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 arrivals in 2025, Tourism Economics expects a rebound in 2026 in part because of the tournament. The firm said negative perceptions of the Trump administration’s trade policies likely helped drive a 6.3% decline in international visitors in 2025, and it now forecasts 3.7% growth in international visits next year as global interest in the World Cup offsets other travel headwinds.
A separate study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates the influx will generate billions of dollars in economic activity, boosting hotels, transportation and retail. Hotels in host cities are preparing for record occupancy, and local businesses anticipate heavier foot traffic. Organizers and city leaders also see the event as an opportunity to raise their global tourism profiles.
Tourism Economics’ modeling suggests international visitors will stay about 12 days on average, attend roughly two matches each and spend more than $400 per day.
Edited by Alain Sherter
In: World Cup