Broadcasters are set to receive a substantial financial boost from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Games in the quadrennial tournament will be staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with numerous cities throughout these nations serving as host venues. Across the month-long spectacle, FOX Sports and Telemundo will be broadcasting games in the United States in English and Spanish, respectively.
The potential financial impact of the World Cup on FOX and Telemundo has now come to light, with figures expected to approach $1 billion. This latest update follows confirmation that spectators attending World Cup matches in New Jersey and New York will be required to pay in excess of $100 in transportation costs.
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According to Sportico's Anthony Crupi, this year's edition of the prestigious tournament is projected to generate approximately $850 million in advertising revenue for FOX Sports and Telemundo combined.
That figure represents an increase of more than $400 million compared to the most recent summer World Cup. In 2018, the tournament staged in Russia was reported to have generated $384.3 million, though it is worth noting that the United States failed to qualify for that edition of the competition, as per The Mirror US.
American sentiment towards Russia at that time may also have contributed to that particular tournament attracting fewer viewers than previous editions. The 2022 edition held in Qatar was controversially staged during the winter months, despite widespread criticism in the lead-up to the event.
It was also highlighted that the World Cup is anticipated to generate a comparable level of advertising revenue to the Super Bowl. Sportico suggests that the tournament's financial impact would be on a par with the most recent Super Bowl on FOX.
In 2024, the Super Bowl brought in more than $800 million in advertising revenue, a remarkable figure given that it involves just one broadcast featuring two teams, whereas the World Cup will see 48 nations competing across roughly one month. For the time being, the precise financial impact on broadcasters remains to be seen.
What is certain is that supporters in New Jersey will be required to pay $150 for train journeys between Penn Station and MetLife Stadium. Following days of criticism aimed at FIFA, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed the price increase, up from the standard $12.90 fare that passengers would ordinarily pay.
"We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup. And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion," she wrote on her X account. "I'm not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don't - I'm not going to let New Jersey get taken for one."
She added: "I have directed NJ TRANSIT to provide discounts for riders impacted by service changes caused by the FIFA World Cup on Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 30, the two dates that overlap with peak commuting hours.
"My Administration is also coordinating closely with PATH to cross-honor tickets and provide additional service to keep people moving during this busy time.
"This is about striking the right balance. We will showcase New Jersey on the world stage while protecting our residents, supporting our workforce, and making sure the economic upside of this event is felt in communities across our state."