The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) expects a record $15 billion in revenue for the four‑year cycle topped by the 2026 World Cup. According to The Guardian, citing a statement by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, final financial results substantially exceeded initial expectations of $11 billion. By comparison, revenue from the previous 2022 World Cup in Qatar was $7.6 billion.
The huge jump in income was driven by the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams and a sharp rise in commercial rights and ticket prices. Official ticket prices for the final in New Jersey reached $34,500, while on the secondary market, resellers listed prices of up to $2 million. Commissions from secondary market resales and premium hospitality programs accounted for a significant portion of the excess profits.
The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, broke all historical records for spectator interest. In total, stadiums were attended by 6.81 million people, exceeding the combined attendance of the two previous World Cups (6.44 million). Average attendance per match was 65,351, and stadium occupancy reached an all‑time high of 99.7%.