The dubious premise: sustainable prosperity through hosting the soccer World Cup

Abstract

The soccer World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, both in terms of audience and revenue generated. It occurs every four years, with the location rotated between bidding nations and geographical regions. Interest in hosting the event is driven by power, prestige, and the anticipation of profit. While income flows are eye-watering, the economic reality is that the costs of staging the event invariably outweigh the revenue generated, especially as most of the receipts are channelled to the organizing body, FIFA. So, do the numbers for hosting the World Cup add up? In addressing this question, the paper examines the case for and against, focusing especially on the sustainability of the business ‘model’ in the light of revealed weaknesses. The analysis carries specific implications for the 2026 World Cup in North America as well as universal conclusions to close the paper.