The storylines in store for soccer fans ahead of FIFA World Cup 26 are already sizzling — a potential retirement sendoff for legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, an expanded field of 48 teams and likely the most talented team in United States Men’s National Team history — but the tournament may be providing quite the boost to Angelenos, even off the pitch.
According to a report from Micronomics Economic Research and Consulting, the World Cup will bring a projected $594 million to Los Angeles County in 2026.
The cup will be played in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including Inglewood as SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, will host eight games. The SoFi Stadium matches include five group-stage games, two round of 16 ties and a quarterfinal.
One of those group-stage games will be the opening match for the U.S. Mens National Team.
Inglewood itself could see an economic boost upward of $17 million.
“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 economic driver behind the massive $594 million figure is tourism. The report estimates that about 180,000 out-of-town visitors could come to the Southland for the World Cup to cheer on their country’s team.
“It’s been in Ohio as early as the mid-1850s at least, brought in as an ornamental plant because of its unique foliage and white flowers,” Gardner said. “It was actually planted in people’s landscaping, and it has been spreading.”
According to the report, World Cup tourists spend an average of $2,350 during their visits.
“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,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Not only does the money from tourism directly connect L.A. to massive economic benefits, but all of the eyes on television broadcasts of the matches could bring in future tourists, the report says.