The Los Angeles region is set to reap economic benefits, including an estimated $594 million, when hosting eight matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to a new report released Thursday.
Micronomics Economic Research and Consulting conducted the report with their projections showing an economic boom generated by the 39-day-long tournament. More than 180,000 visitors are expected to watch the cup games, delivering a quarter of a billion dollars in increased wages for employees in Southern California distributed across industries, such as hotels, restaurants, entertainment and retail.
World Cup fans typically spend more than the average tourist, with about $2,350 per person during their stay, according to the Micronomics report .
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"In 2026, Los Angeles County -- power(ed) 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," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. "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 county of L.A. is expected to generate $35 million in additional tax revenue that will be distributed through the county and its cities 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.
"With FIFA World Cup 26 around the corner, Los Angeles is ready to welcome soccer fans from around the globe," Senator Alex Padilla, D-Los Angeles, said in a statement. "By hosting World Cup games, California will enjoy substantial economic benefits from a major surge in tourism and regional development."
The L.A. region will be hosting five Group State matches, two Round of 32 knock out matches and a quarterfinal game in 2026. The Micronomics report concluded the region could receive another boost of $230.4 million in increased future tourism and $13.5 million of future local tax revenue as a result of exposure L.A. would get from hosting cup games.
"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., Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. "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."
Some of the cup games will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which is expected to bring in more than $17 million for the city.
"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," Inglewood Mayor James Butts said in a statement. "The FIFA World Cup will be among many events in the coming years that epitomize Inglewood's `City of Champions' nickname."
The L.A. region previously held the FIFA World Cup in 1994 and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, which celebrated the 30th and 25th anniversaries respectively this summer.
"Major sporting events are powerful economic engines with impact that goes far beyond the stadium walls," Kathryn S. Schloessman, president & CEO of Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City Manager, said in a statement.
Over the next two years, the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee will prepare to welcome fans and build out legacy programs that focus on delivering -- what officials say will be -- substantial economic and community impact for Southern California.
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