The expanded 2026 World Cup has generated major commercial gains for Fifa, broadcasters and sponsors, while placing heavy costs on supporters. The article argues that the tournament’s larger scale—48 teams rather than 32—has increased audiences and revenue opportunities, but also intensified concerns over affordability and commercialisation.

Fifa is expected to exceed the $7.6bn (£5.6bn) it generated from Qatar 2022, with four-year-cycle revenues approaching $13bn from broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, hospitality, ticketing and resale fees. Fans have faced ticket prices reaching $32,970 for the final, costly travel and accommodation, and elevated transport fares; meanwhile Fox reportedly paid $485m for US broadcast rights and can sell 30-second adverts for roughly $200,000–$300,000, rising to $750,000 for major US matches.