By Johnny Gilmour in Editorial — 10 Jun 2025

The $5 Billion Kickoff: Inside North America’s High-Stakes World Cup

An investigative look into how the world’s biggest sporting event could reshape Mexico, the U.S., and Canada—economically, politically, and culturally.

When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, it will mark a historic milestone: the first time three nations have co-hosted the event, the first World Cup with 48 teams, and North America’s biggest test of sporting unity in decades.

But behind the pageantry lies a complex web of economics, geopolitics, and infrastructure, raising urgent questions: Who truly benefits from hosting? What will be the long-term legacy? And will the North American partnership withstand the strain of global scrutiny?

Economic Boom or Budget Bust?

The projected economic impact of the tournament is staggering. According to a 2023 report from BCG and U.S. Soccer, the 2026 World Cup could generate over $5 billion in economic activity across the three host nations (BCG, 2023). Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto are banking on a surge in tourism, job creation, and infrastructure investment.

In Mexico, which will host matches in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City, local governments have earmarked over $250 million in stadium renovations and urban development, particularly around the historic Estadio Azteca. However, critics point to Mexico’s lingering economic struggles and rising crime rates as potential obstacles to delivering a safe and profitable event (El Universal, 2024).

Canada, hosting in Toronto and Vancouver (with Edmonton dropped from the roster), faces a different challenge. The Canadian Soccer Association is grappling with public scrutiny over its opaque budgeting practices, especially after reports surfaced of stadium upgrades in Toronto ballooning past $300 million CAD, nearly double original estimates (Globe & Mail, 2024).

Despite these concerns, FIFA anticipates over 5.5 million tickets will be sold, with U.S. cities expected to capture the lion’s share of tourism revenue, particularly in stadium hubs like Dallas, Atlanta, and Miami (FIFA, 2024).

Geopolitical Unity—or Fragmentation?

While FIFA hails the tri-nation bid as a symbol of unity, political tensions simmer beneath the surface.

In the U.S., immigration and visa issues have already complicated coordination between host cities and federal agencies. Advocacy groups warn that increased border surveillance and temporary immigration crackdowns could tarnish the inclusive message the tournament aims to promote.

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, faces her own balancing act—welcoming global fans while managing cartel-related violence that has disrupted tourism in parts of the country. In 2024, an attempted attack near Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron raised alarms about venue security protocols (Reuters, 2024).

Canada, for its part, is positioning itself as the “soft-power steward” of the tournament, leveraging its progressive international image to attract sponsors and promote multiculturalism. But internal divisions remain: Indigenous groups in British Columbia have voiced concerns about land use and the lack of inclusion in planning discussions around BC Place in Vancouver.

Infrastructure: The Price of Progress

Unlike the 2014 and 2022 editions of the tournament, the 2026 World Cup will not rely on building massive new stadiums. Instead, most venues are existing NFL or MLS facilities adapted for international play.

Still, infrastructure upgrades are a significant cost burden. In the U.S., host cities are expected to spend a combined $1.5–2 billion on transportation, stadium retrofitting, and security enhancements (ESPN, 2024). Miami is fast-tracking a new transit line to Hard Rock Stadium; Philadelphia is installing facial recognition technology at Lincoln Financial Field.

In Mexico, Estadio Azteca—one of the oldest World Cup stadiums still in use—is undergoing a controversial renovation that has already displaced dozens of small businesses and housing communities near the Colonia Santa Úrsula district.

Canada’s upgrades are less expansive but no less costly. A key project in Toronto involves overhauling BMO Field to expand capacity from 30,000 to over 45,000. City auditors are still investigating where certain federal funds have been allocated.

A Cultural Catalyst

Beyond the numbers, 2026 could ignite a new era for soccer in North America.

MLS and Liga MX have already deepened ties through the Leagues Cup, and Canadian Premier League teams are pushing for wider visibility. The World Cup is seen as a critical opportunity to solidify soccer's status in markets long dominated by American football, baseball, and hockey.

“The 1994 World Cup planted the seeds. 2026 could harvest the forest,” says Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, in a 2024 interview with The Athletic.

Youth engagement is also expected to surge. A 2023 study by Deloitte Canada found that major events like the World Cup increase youth sports participation by up to 12% in the following two years, provided there is adequate grassroots infrastructure (Deloitte Canada, 2023).

Still, skeptics argue that without meaningful investment in community-level programs—especially in underserved areas—the momentum may dissipate once the final whistle blows.

The Legacy Question

What will the 2026 World Cup leave behind?

If successful, the tournament could become a blueprint for future multinational hosting strategies—especially as climate concerns make single-nation events less viable. FIFA is already touting the 2026 edition as a model for cost-effective, environmentally conscious planning, though no third-party audits have yet confirmed this claim.

But failure to deliver on promises—economic, cultural, or political—could deepen mistrust in mega-sporting events and spark backlash across all three nations.

As the countdown begins, North America stands on the edge of a defining moment—not just for soccer, but for its collective identity on the world stage.

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