A report published on FIFA’s website by the independent research organization OpenEconomics estimates that the tournament could add 41 billion USD to global GDP, create 824,000 jobs, and raise 9.4 billion USD in direct and indirect tax revenues for the three host nations.
But several economists think those projections are overly optimistic. Victor Matheson, a sports economist at the College of the Holy Cross, said FIFA’s estimates are likely “significantly overstated.” He noted that, although the World Cup is attracting large numbers of spectators and international visitors, much of the money Americans are spending on soccer simply replaces spending on other forms of entertainment, not generating new economic activity.
Felipe Tobar, Associate Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at Clemson University, said that the biggest lesson from previous World Cups is that the tournament can be a catalyst for long-term tourist development, but it's not a guarantee.
“South Africa and Brazil invested billions in infrastructure, yet several venues continue to struggle to generate long-term economic benefits after the event. On the other hand, Qatar's 2022 hosting was especially successful in strengthening the country's international image and enhancing its destination brand,” he added.
