A global football tournament is not just meant for the spirit. It is about massive logistics, billions in investment and high-stakes coordination. For the United States, stepping up as host for two world football events – the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup – is both an honor and a business venture.
Much ahead of the opening ceremonies, the venue is supposed to have been running through years of planning. Usually, some of the huge tasks are the selection of stadiums, upgrading transport systems, enforcing security, tourism and marketing. These budgets run into billions. But the returns stand equally hefty with tourism revenue, sponsorships and international exposure.
The U.S. has a series of existing world-class stadiums. But they were primarily serving American football and baseball. Many of them are being readapted to fulfill FIFA’s requirements for pitch size, fan zones and media operations. Unlike several others in the line of previous hosts, the U.S. does not have to build new stadiums from scratch – a blessing from the cost perspective.
Why FIFA Chose These Cities
FIFA selected a mix of iconic American cities. These cities are known for their sports culture, international accessibility, and existing infrastructure. Cities like New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Miami are among the key hosts.
FIFA’s selection criteria focused on several factors:
- Stadium capacity and readiness: Stadiums must seat over 40,000 for World Cup matches and meet FIFA technical specifications.
- Airport connectivity: Easy international access is crucial.
- Training facilities: Teams need high-quality venues to practice.
- Accommodation: The host cities must handle an influx of fans, officials, and media.
- Fan engagement potential: Cities were chosen for their ability to draw large crowds and create a vibrant fan atmosphere.
The geographic spread—from the West Coast to the East Coast and into the heart of Texas—was intentional. FIFA and U.S. organizers aim to make the tournament feel inclusive and accessible across the country. This is a reflection of the nation’s size and diversity.
Local Economies and Stadiums
Local governments consider such events as aggressive engines of economic activities. The matches generate hotel occupancy, restaurant visitation, and destination tourism. For Dallas, multiple games will be staged at the AT&T Stadium. It’s currently going through preparations for maximizing capacity and the viewing experience.
Stadium deals tend to center on partnerships bearing city councils, sports franchises, and private sponsors. Some cities offer incentives or tax breaks to allow the upgrades to go through. Some of those cities may elect to negotiate usage fees and rights deals with FIFA. The deals try to ensure that local taxpayers do not end up shouldering all the expenses.
City investments are not limited to just upgrading stadiums. New metro lines, expanding terminals, and better pedestrian zones being a few of the examples. That particular host city manages to reap maximum temporary employment benefits from construction, execution of the event on the ground, hospitality, etc., in the present.
Even smaller-scale hosts like Kansas City or Houston stand to get long-term benefits from the global exposure. A failed hosting may stifle tourism in subsequent years and divert international interest. It could also drain the remnants of sports infrastructure that could have been channeled for hosting future events.
Broadcast and Sponsorship Plans
When it comes to mega-events, it is unequivocally the media and marketing that uphold their financial gigantism. The 2026 FIFA World Cup being held between the three giants – the U.S., Mexico, and Canada – is on course to set viewership records across the globe. Undisputedly, FIFA has chalked billion-dollar deals with many broadcasters. These include FOX (United States), TelevisaUnivision (Spanish-language), and other international media houses.
These deals are not just about showing the matches live. Digital streaming rights, content for social media and even behind the scenes documentaries – are all included. Broadcasters are wagering on swift U.S. audience growth, given more local clubs coming into the fray and MLS expanding.
On sponsorship, an envious position has been created for global and local brands alike. Every brand has an urge to associate themselves with one of the world’s biggest stages. Long-established names such as Coca-Cola, Adidas, Visa and Budweiser have been in partnership with FIFA for years. Now American tech companies, charter airlines, and ride-share platforms have found their way into the partnership gamut. Sponsorships range from $10 million to more than $100 million, dependent on the visibility and access offered.
The Club World Cup serves as a test event for many of these sponsorships. It allows brands to fine-tune their campaigns and logistics before the bigger stage of 2026.
What the U.S. Hopes to Get Out of It
The U.S. isn’t hosting these tournaments just for the thrill. It’s a long-term investment in becoming a global football hub. The U.S. is a relatively new player in the world of soccer compared to Europe or South America. But it’s now positioning itself as a serious football destination.
One clear goal is to grow the domestic fanbase. With millions watching matches in sold-out stadiums and on prime-time TV, MLS hopes to ride the wave of increased attention. Youth participation in soccer has already been growing, and the visibility of these tournaments can speed up that trend.
Economically, the U.S. hopes to generate billions in revenue from ticket sales, tourism, and international trade deals. Cities also hope that the visibility leads to more bids for future events – concerts, Olympic bids and more sporting leagues.
Culturally, it’s about reputation. Hosting successful global tournaments shows that the U.S. can lead on the world stage. That’s not just in basketball or American football, but in the world’s most popular sport. It sends a message about organizational capability, hospitality, and cultural openness.
And for FIFA, partnering with the U.S. is strategic too. The American market offers the biggest untapped fanbase, potential investors, and advertisers. With the 2026 World Cup set to feature 48 teams (up from 32), the U.S. also provides the scale and resources needed to manage such an ambitious expansion.
A High-Stakes Investment in the Beautiful Game
The U.S. is not only welcoming the world to watch football. It’s turning the game into a business success story. Every element of hosting is carefully planned and monetized. As the Club World Cup warms up the stage for the 2026 World Cup, the nation is proving that it can blend passion and planning to deliver unforgettable football spectacles.
These events will leave a lasting impact. Not just on the field, but in American sports culture, international business and the future of football in the US. The business of hosting is in full swing, and the U.S. is making it work.