U.S. host cities face costs ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 9:31 AM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
The U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are grappling with significant costs associated with the tournament. While FIFA is projected to generate over $11 billion in revenue, cities are left to cover expenses related to transportation, security, and facility preparations. Some local leaders express frustration over the financial burden, highlighted by specific examples such as the construction of a $25.8 million jail in Kansas City and the $15 million Dallas Broadcast Center that will be demolished afterward. Issues surrounding ticket revenue waivers and mounting costs have also arisen, causing tensions as cities prepare for the event. The tournament, set to take place with 48 teams, may have a significant economic impact, though many local officials are skeptical about the projected benefits.
- •FIFA hosts the 2026 World Cup across 11 U.S. cities.
- •Projected revenue exceeds $11 billion for FIFA but cities face high costs.
- •Kansas City and other cities are undertaking major spending for preparations.
- •Local officials doubt the anticipated economic impact of $30.5 billion.
- •Tensions are rising over financial burdens and city resource allocations.
- 9:31 AMYahoo Sports — The U.S. signed up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and its 11 host cities are paying for it
"Watch the accompanying episode, produced in collaboration with Pablo Torre Finds Out on The Athletic Podcast Network, here. Subscribe to Torre’s award-winning show on YouTube, The Athletic or wherever you get your podcasts. In the fall of 2021, FIFA executives traveled across the North American cities in contention to host the 2026 men’s World Cup. The joint United States, Mexico and Canada bid secured hosting rights for the World Cup in 2018 but, at that time, 23 cities were in contention, befo
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