World Cup nets an economic draw

The World Cup crowns only one economic winner: its organizer, FIFA, opens new tab. Host cities scrounge for equalizers, but usually end up outmatched by lavish ​spending commitments. The North American metros hosting the 2026 edition of the men's tournament are enjoying ‌modest bumps in hospitality, but more importantly made smaller, targeted investments in transit, security and stadium renovations. Compared to prior boondoggles, it offers some lessons for the future, even if the best anyone can hope for is a draw.