FIFA estimates $3.8 billion benefit for Canada as 2026 World Cup co-host

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will contribute up to $3.8 billion in "positive economic output" for Canada as a host nation, according to a FIFA economic impact assessment.

That amount is split between Canadian gross domestic product, labour income and government revenue with GDP ($2 billion) and labour income ($1.3 billion) getting the biggest chunk. The assessment also foresees "the creation and preservation" of 24,100 jobs across the country over the period from June 2023 to August 2026.

Economic impacts were measured and reported in terms of economic output, GDP, labour income, employment and government revenue, according to the assessment.

The estimates were calculated based on data provided by FIFA World Cup 26 and the Canadian host city committee. They were supplemented by projected or sourced data provided by Deloitte Canada economists.

"You can think of economic output as sales," said Jeff Harris, founder and leader of Deloitte Canada's Sport Business Advisory Practice. "That's the total value of goods and services that are produced and purchased within the time frame."

Consider the GDP number as income, added Harris.

The assessment says for every Canadian dollar spent on tournament preparations or by visitors attending the competition, it's estimated the event will contribute $1.09 to GDP. That translates on average to $155 million to GDP — and generating or sustaining 1,850 jobs nationally — for each of the 13 matches to be staged in Canada.

The expanded 48-team, 104-match World Cup is being co-hosted by Canada the United States and Mexico. Vancouver and Toronto are Canada's host cities with 11 others in the U.S. and three in Mexico.

The assessment estimates tournament expenditure — in the form of capital,