New York, New Jersey Expect $3.3 Billion World Cup Boost

New York and New Jersey are set to receive a $3.3 billion economic boost from hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium, including the final on July 19, 2026. The event is anticipated to attract over 1.2 million fans and tourists to the region, generating approximately $1.3 billion in labor income and $1.7 billion in regional spending. The tournament is expected to create more than 26,000 jobs across both states and produce around $432 million in state and local tax revenues. The 2026 World Cup, the largest in FIFA history with an estimated six million attendees across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, will also bring global visibility and long-term social and economic benefits to the region. Other U.S. cities like Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia will also host matches, contributing to a nationwide economic impact. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the tournament's global turnout despite his trade policies, suggesting that geopolitical tensions might enhance the event's atmosphere.