World Cup leaves mixed legacy for US, FIFA and football

FE Team | Published: July 21, 2026 22:14:34

The FIFA World Cup 2026 ended after 39 days with Spain lifting the trophy, but the tournament's lasting legacy may extend far beyond the identity of the champion. The first-ever 48-team World Cup has triggered a broader debate over whether football's biggest event fulfilled its economic promises, changed America's global image and permanently transformed the way future World Cups will be organized, report agencies.
With 48 teams, 104 matches and record global attention across the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA described the tournament as a historic success. Stadiums were packed, fan festivals attracted huge crowds and dramatic matches showcased football's growing popularity in North America.
Yet behind the celebration, the picture was more complicated.
Economic promises and uncertain returns
Before the tournament began, FIFA and organisers highlighted huge economic benefits for the host nations. A 2025 study projected that the World Cup could generate more than $30 billion in economic activity in the United States alone and support around 185,000 full-time jobs.
However, early economic indicators did not fully match those expectations. Tourism numbers remained largely stable compared with the previous year, while hotel and airline prices did not experience the dramatic rise often seen during major sporting events. Retail growth was modest, and employment data provided limited evidence of a major jobs boom in hospitality and related industries.
Economists caution that measuring the true economic impact of a global event of this size is extremely difficult. In a country as large as the United States, consumer behaviour is influenced by many factors, making it challenging to separate World Cup-related spending from broader economic trends.
Still, some sectors benefited. Host cities reported stronger business activity than other regions, with restaurants, bars and small businesses gaining from thousands of visiting supporters. Fan zones became major attractions, and hotels eventually saw increased demand as fans arrived for key matches.
America's image gets a boost
If the economic benefits remain debated, the World Cup may have succeeded in another important area - improving America's global image.
At a time when the country faced criticism over political tensions, immigration policies and international disputes, the tournament provided a platform to showcase a different side of the United States.
Fans from across the world filled city streets with colour, music and celebrations. Supporters from Scotland, Algeria and many other nations created memorable cultural exchanges, while social media was filled with stories of hospitality and friendships between visitors and local communities.
The tournament also confirmed the rapid growth of football in the United States. Television audiences reached record levels, fan events attracted millions and many Americans who previously followed the sport only casually embraced the World Cup atmosphere.
For many observers, the 2026 tournament accelerated a process that began with the 1994 World Cup and continued through the growth of Major League Soccer and youth football participation.
However, the image boost was not without controversy. Visa difficulties for some supporters, debates over immigration policies and political disputes occasionally overshadowed the football.
The tournament reflected two different images of America at the same time - one of openness, diversity and celebration, and another where politics remained impossible to separate from sport.
Football adopts an American flavour
One of the tournament's most significant legacies may be how it influenced football's presentation.
The 2026 World Cup embraced several features familiar to North American sports. Hydration breaks became common due to the summer heat, but they also gave teams additional tactical opportunities and created possible commercial opportunities for broadcasters.
For traditional football supporters, however, the breaks changed the rhythm of matches. Some felt the game increasingly resembled sports such as American football and basketball, where stoppages and planned intervals are part of the experience.
The final also reflected this influence. A Super Bowl-style halftime entertainment show extended the interval beyond football's traditional 15-minute break, while Spain received championship rings alongside the World Cup trophy - a tradition common in American professional sports.
Governance and controversy
Away from the pitch, the tournament also raised questions about football governance.
The close relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump attracted attention throughout the competition. Critics questioned whether political influence was becoming too closely connected with football administration, although FIFA maintained that its decisions remained independent.
Refereeing controversies also continued despite advances in VAR technology. Instead of ending disputes, video review often shifted arguments toward technical interpretations and slow-motion analysis.
A legacy still unfolding
The expansion to 48 teams produced mixed reactions. More nations gained access to football's biggest stage, creating new stories and increasing global representation. But the size of the tournament - 104 matches over 39 days - also raised questions about whether the World Cup was becoming too large.
Traditionally, World Cups are remembered for champions, iconic goals and unforgettable moments. The 2026 edition delivered those memories, but its deeper impact may come from the debates it created.