Mamdani says World Cup brought $2bn to New York City

NEW YORK (MNTV) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated an estimated $2 billion in economic impact for the city, including $1.3 billion in direct visitor and tournament-related spending, according to a preliminary analysis by the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Economics.

The analysis found tournament-related activity supported more than 12,000 jobs in hospitality, food service and retail, with sports-bar foot traffic up 16 percent year over year. 

The analysis found tournament-related activity supported more than 12,000 jobs in hospitality, food service and retail, while sports-bar foot traffic rose 16 percent year over year.

Across the New York-New Jersey region, the eight matches at the stadium generated an estimated $3.5 billion, with New York City accounting for 56 percent of that total.

Mamdani’s administration said it worked to spread spending across all five boroughs through a “26-for-2026” food-and-drink promotion, more than 100 free watch parties, matches streamed on LinkNYC kiosks and more than 50 blocks transformed into “Soccer Streets.” 

The administration also secured 1,000 affordable tickets.

Mamdani said the tournament showed a major global event can benefit neighbourhood businesses rather than concentrating gains around stadiums and large commercial interests. 

The figures, the administration noted, represent total economic impact rather than direct revenue — and, as the report itself stressed, increased visitor spending does not automatically translate into higher wages or lasting benefits for all local businesses.