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LOS ANGELES (June 27, 2024) —When Los Angeles hosts eight matches for FIFA World Cup 26™, including the sought-after opening match for the U.S. Men’s National Team, the region can expect to reap economic benefits far beyond any event held in recent years, according to a new report issued today by Micronomics Economic Research and Consulting.
Projections show L.A. County can expect $594 million in economic impact generated by the historic 39-day-long tournament. Altogether the influx of 180,000 out-of-town visitors during the tournament window will deliver a quarter of a billion dollars in increased wages for employees in Southern California distributed across many industries in the L.A. area, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment and retail. World Cup fans typically spend more than the average tourist with an average of $2,350 per person during their stay, according to the Micronomics report.
“In 2026, Los Angeles County – powered by 10 million Angelenos with roots from all over the world – will showcase our diversity and strength to the global community, providing an unparalleled home to eight World Cup matches, including USA’s opening match,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “The World Cup will generate an estimated $594 million for Los Angeles communities while creating jobs all across the region and boosting tourism, building on the state’s record-breaking tourism milestones from last year and preparing the region to host the Olympics in 2028.”
The economic benefits of hosting the largest single-sport event in history will be realized across the State of California with Los Angeles County generating approximately $35 million in additional tax revenue that will be distributed through the County and its cities. This additional tax revenue in LA County is expected to exceed governmental costs for services, transportation and other obligations associated with hosting the tournament.
Another $22.3 million in additional tax revenue will be generated by the increase in international tourism for the State of California.
“With FIFA World Cup 26 around the corner, Los Angeles is ready to welcome soccer fans from around the globe,” said Senator Padilla. “By hosting World Cup games, California will enjoy substantial economic benefits from a major surge in tourism and regional development. That means more local jobs and more money spent at local businesses. As a proud Angeleno, I’m looking forward to hosting hundreds of thousands of fans in our city to showcase our vibrant communities and unwavering spirit.”
Beyond the direct economic impacts of hosting five Group Stage matches, two Round of 32 knockout matches, and one Quarterfinal in 2026, the report also concluded that based on expected advertising rates and the amount of exposure Los Angeles is projected to receive from the most-watched competition on earth, the region will receive a boost of $230.4 million in increased future tourism, that translates into $13.5 million of future local tax revenue.
“In two short years we will be ready to welcome the world to the Los Angeles region for the world’s most watched sporting event, but also to experience the diverse food, culture, and history that defines our region,” said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. “I want to thank the L.A. Sports & Entertainment Commission and our L.A. Host Committee for their hard work over many years to bring the FIFA World Cup back to L.A. I look forward to working closely with Inglewood Mayor James Butts as we plan for an exciting 2026 that will leave beneficial lasting impacts for our region for years to come.”
The City of Inglewood, home of Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), will also realize significant economic gains with a projected impact of more than $17 million.
“This report reflects the type of economic benefits we envisioned when we set off on the journey to build a state-of-the-art stadium,” said Inglewood Mayor James Butts. “The FIFA World Cup will be among many events in the coming years that epitomize Inglewood’s “City of Champions” nickname.”
Los Angeles is inseparable from the story of soccer in North America. LA has played host to the biggest sporting events in the world, including the 1994 FIFA World Cup™ and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ which celebrate their 30th and 25th anniversaries respectively this summer.
“Major sporting events are powerful economic engines with impact that goes far beyond the stadium walls,” said Kathryn S. Schloessman, President & CEO, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City Manager. “The surge in tourism connected to the FIFA World Cup 26 will be felt by the entire region, creating demand for local businesses, accelerating the need for job training and hiring, and serving as a lasting catalyst for economic activity in our hospitality, transportation, retail and entertainment sectors.”
Over the next two years, the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee is preparing to welcome fans from across the globe to begin their FIFA World Cup 26™ experience in the region. Led by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission with Co-Chairs Larry Freedman and Chris Klein, the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee continues to build out legacy programs that focus on delivering substantial economic and community impact for Southern California and using the largest single-sport event in history to bring people together from all over the world.
For more information on FIFA World Cup 26 Los Angeles™, please visit LosAngelesFWC26.com.