FIFA Smashes Revenue Records with $15 Billion 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announces record $15 billion in revenue from the expanded 48-team World Cup, nearly doubling the earnings from Qatar 2022 through booming ticket and hospitality sales

World Cup 2026 becomes most profitable in history

FIFA has announced record-breaking revenue of more than $15 billion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making the North American tournament the most financially successful in the competition’s history and significantly exceeding pre-tournament expectations, according to The Guardian.

The figure comfortably surpasses FIFA’s original projection of $11 billion and is nearly double the $7.5 billion generated during the 2022 World Cup cycle in Qatar.

The surge in revenue has been driven by the expanded 48-team format, which resulted in more matches, greater commercial opportunities and increased global interest.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino informed the organisation’s member associations of the record financial results on Saturday. Ticketing and hospitality sales are believed to have played a major role in the increase, particularly through the high-priced secondary ticket market. FIFA reportedly collects a 15 per cent commission from both buyers and sellers on secondary-market transactions, further boosting its earnings.