MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup final and seven other matches in the biggest soccer spectacle on Earth.
But despite the breathtaking economic impact estimates, don’t expect windfall benefits for the entire city or even the Meadowlands itself.
“The history we will make in 2026 will create lifelong memories for our fans, provide new opportunities for our community, and inject billions of dollars into our economy.” Mayor Eric Adams said.
But the biggest winners will probably be the fans who got to see it, and the football that grows from it.
Adams predicted the event would draw more than 1 million tourists and generate about $2 billion in revenue for the city. He added that the World Cup should bring about 14,000 jobs to the region.
But many are temporary jobs, and New York is already expecting 64.5 million visitors this year.
“If you add it all up, it’s going to be about the size of a Taylor Swift concert,” sports business and urban planning expert Dr. Mark Rosentraub told the Post.
“Right now we’re in the middle of tourist season, and whether there’s a game or not, there’s going to be a lot of tourists. …You say you’re going to charge more, but how much higher? Add that and compare it to the country’s economy. [area] There is a small increase, but it is difficult to detect. ”
U.S. soccer stands to benefit from MLS, which grew out of the 1994 World Cup.
FIFA will then reap a windfall by keeping the tickets and sponsorships and leaving the organizers with security and other expenses.
“They’re trying to get New York. That’s going to be a huge benefit. And if MetLife can find a way to make it work. [better]” Rosentraub said. “It’s going to be a fun and great weekend full of New York experiences. There’s nothing wrong with this.” [But] It’s just a blip on the radar. But that doesn’t mean it’s not good, it’s great. ”
It costs similar to the Super Bowl. Some host cities will cost as much as $100 million, and New York is likely as well.
The 2014 Super Bowl raised between $70 million and $90 million. Therefore, the NYNJ World Cup Organizing Committee is currently working on its mission.
“It’s a huge honor. I’m not sure it’s a huge moneymaker for the stadium because it costs a lot of money to meet the requirements that FIFA puts forward to be a host,” said James of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Kirkos told the Post.
“It takes a lot of money to produce a FIFA event. That’s part of the job of the host committee now. Get ready and start raising money. Just like the Super Bowl, the host committee We need to raise over $40 million, so it’s their job now to make that happen.”
