FIFA World Cup 2026 drives tourism to over 1,000 US counties

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is generating a broad economic impact across the United States, with international fans traveling significantly beyond the 11 official host metropolitan areas. Research from the U.S. Travel Association indicates that 73% of international visitors explored at least one additional American destination, reaching more than 1,000 counties.

This movement has distributed visitor spending to smaller communities, benefiting businesses with no direct connection to football, such as independent hotels, restaurants, retailers, and local guides. Spending by visitors from outside host regions was reported to be 10% above the tournament baseline. In Miami, community engagement efforts included the FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park, which provided cultural performances and live broadcasts to showcase the city's multicultural identity.