US cities banked on the 2026 FIFA World Cup to spark a tourism and business boom. Host committees in all 11 venues projected sizable gains, with New York and New Jersey alone forecasting $3.3bn of activity. Yet rising ticket prices, travel costs and geopolitical tension now cloud those expectations for local economies in the short.

FIFA expects $8.9bn in revenue, but economists warn cities will shoulder heavy outlays for logistics, security and sanitation. Andrew Zimbalist argues the net gain will be modest and fleeting, noting that past events often deliver “a lot of expenses and very little revenue.” Municipal budgets could feel the strain through the summer campaign ahead now.

Boston slashed shuttle fares from $80 to $20 after complaints, while New Jersey cut train tickets to $98. Despite lower room rates—Philadelphia and Dallas hotels fell about one‑third from peak—officials point to strong ticket sales. Meet Boston chief Martha Sheridan says fan turnout remains robust, even if pricing stays out of reach for many today.

Local leaders remain optimistic, citing exposure to global trade delegations and potential long‑term branding benefits. Kansas City CEO Pam Kramer touts the chance to host ministers and CEOs, while Bay Area head Zaileen Janmohamed pivots to smaller, community‑focused fan events after rejecting FIFA’s centralised model. The tournament will now test whether projected windfalls materialize clearly.