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The Conversation
The Conversation
Yuhei Inoue, Professor of Sport Management, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Now that the World Cup is over, can host cities turn their investment into a lasting social impact?

Saying 'cheers' to the lasting goodwill from hosting overseas fans? Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images

The 2026 World Cup has been a real moneymaker for FIFA. Revenues from TV broadcasting rights, ticket sales and other commercial sources are projected to amount to nearly US$11 billion, making it the most financially successful event in the international soccer governing body’s history.

But what about the cities that hosted the tournament’s games? Spread across Canada, the United States and Mexico, 16 cities helped make the World Cup a financial success. Moreover, images of national fans from around the globe taking over Boston, Miami and Dallas provided a backdrop to the tournament.

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