FIFA World Cup 2026 drives tourism and premium TV sales growth

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, concluded as a significant spectator success with an estimated 6.8 million visitors attending 104 matches over 39 days. The tournament's scale, featuring 48 teams and 16 host cities, also drove economic activity in the consumer electronics sector. Global premium TV sales saw a notable boost, with revenue increasing by approximately 12% in the first 29 weeks of 2026 compared to the previous year. Growth was particularly pronounced in markets with high football interest and in Latin America, which saw triple-digit growth rates during peak tournament phases.

Looking ahead, Los Angeles is preparing for major sporting events, including Super Bowl LXI in February 2027 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The LA28 program will feature 51 sports, including new additions such as flag football, lacrosse, squash, and cricket. Preparations for the Olympics include infrastructure improvements to the LA Metro and the LAX Skylink, as well as an early ticket sales launch to accommodate fan demand.