The recent World Cup in the United States has not only created an economic surge in host cities but also inspired future U.S. soccer talent.
Economic Impact and Record Viewership
Brian Kilmeade highlights the economic boom, citing record viewership and substantial financial gains in cities that hosted the games. The tournament has proven to be a success, with significant attendance during the group stage, setting a new record for any World Cup.
Fans from all over the globe traveled to see their teams, and local fans participated enthusiastically. The popularity of the event led to enhanced ticket sales, with a huge turnout even from neutral fans who wanted to experience top-tier international soccer. Television ratings soared, with the U.S. men’s national team’s match against Belgium becoming the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in the country’s history.
Expansion and Emerging Talent
Alan Rothenberg, who founded Major League Soccer, emphasized the momentum created by this event and its ability to inspire young players. He sees this as a critical step in solidifying soccer’s growth and competitive edge in the U.S.
The 2026 tournament featured a change in format, expanding from 32 to 48 teams. Many traditionalists expressed skepticism, but the expansion allowed smaller nations to participate and sometimes become fan favorites. Cape Verde, for instance, surprised many by advancing past the first round and challenging Argentina.
Future Expansion Discussions
FIFA is contemplating another expansion to 64 teams. President Gianni Infantino indicated that appropriate committees would discuss this post-tournament. He believes in making the World Cup global, with participation from across the world, not just Europe and South America.
Infantino highlighted the importance of global development, stating that allowing smaller countries to compete helps them improve. A larger pool of games means more broadcasts, increased fees, and more ticket sales. This aligns with FIFA’s goal of promoting greater participation and investment worldwide.
Challenges of a 64-Team Format
Although the idea of more teams has competitive and financial benefits, it presents challenges. The qualifying process might lose significance since most major countries would easily qualify. Venue availability is another concern, with only the U.S. possessing enough large stadiums to accommodate such a big event.
The U.S. could manage a 128-match tournament over 38 days with its numerous large stadiums. In contrast, combining venues from the UK, Spain, and Germany would be necessary to reach the required number of large venues in Europe.
The 2026 World Cup highlighted America’s ability to host large-scale tournaments successfully, perhaps sparking discussions about it becoming a permanent site for future events. However, such a move might face opposition from other nations and federations.