The FIFA World Cup generated an estimated $2.1 billion in economic impact from its first five matches at MetLife Stadium, according to officials, citing an analysis by Tourism Economics. The stadium later completed a run of eight consecutive sellout matches, drawing more than 560,000 fans over the course of the tournament.
Early figures show that from June 8 to July 4, hotels in the New York metropolitan region saw an increase in room revenue compared to the same time last year. Long Island hotels generated about $117 million in room revenue, up 24 percent from a year ago.
The economic perks and fan enthusiasm spread outside the stadium, including on Long Island where there were watch parties at Stony Brook University, Eisenhower Park, Mitchel Athletic Complex, UBS Arena, entertainment venues, pubs and more.
A statewide approach brought together some of those events as well as regional grants, accessibility initiatives, tourism promotion and community programming. Businesses across the state — including bars, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality providers — saw economic benefits, officials said.
“When we brought the FIFA World Cup to New York, we wanted to make sure every New Yorker, every community and every industry would benefit — these past six weeks have proven that effort a success,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release about the economic gains generate by the World Cup.
Economic impact figures are still being finalized, but the state expects that they will “far exceed” initial projections.
“When all the numbers are in, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will stand as a clear win for New York and proof that investing in major events generates real economic returns for taxpayers, local businesses and communities across our state,” Justin Brannan, senior director of major events for New York State, said in the news release.
Watch parties on Long Island drew thousands of attendees, food and beverage vendors, exhibitions and more.
The June 12 watch party evet at Stony Brook University drew 6,000 attendees throughout the day, including about 5,000 for the evening USA vs. Paraguay match.
The UBS Arena World Cup Watch Party on June 19 attracted more than 13,000 attendees across two matches, with approximately 3,000 fans attending the U.S. vs. Australia match and more than 10,000 attending Haiti vs. Brazil. The event also served as a platform for a “rare cross-sector partnership” among UBS Arena, Oak View Group, the New York Mets, the New York Islanders and New York City Football Club, officials said.
More than more than 4,200 people gathered at Eisenhower Park on July 1 for the U.S. vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to The Island FC, which partnered with Nassau County and Bruce Blakeman, the county executive, for the event.
Additional watch parties were hosted at Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington, Stereo Garden in Patchogue, Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh, and Plattduetsche Park in Franklin Square.
The World Cup is expected to deliver benefits beyond the tournament through investments in community infrastructure and youth sports.
‘We’re making sure the World Cup has a lasting impact on our state by investing in soccer fields and youth soccer programming to support young athletes for years to come,” Hochul said.