Atlanta, Georgia – The 2026 FIFA World Cup will start this summer, and Atlanta is getting ready for a big boost to its economy. Citing the official report, News Sickle Arrow reported that visitors to U.S. host cities will spend more than $556 million on things like hotels, food, and transportation. Fans that come to see the games are bringing in a lot of money, and cities with enormous stadiums, nice hotels, and easy flights will benefit the most.
Atlanta stands out as a prominent participant among these. The city is anticipated to make around $52 million from costs associated to the event. That’s because it has a great setup for sports events and a friendly atmosphere for tourists.
Atlanta is now one of the top five places in the U.S. that might get $288 million, which is more than half of the overall U.S. prediction. East Rutherford, New Jersey, is at the top of the list with $67 million, thanks in part to its proximity to New York. Atlanta’s share shows how popular it is. A lot of people come from all over the world because of good air connections and a history of hosting enormous crowds.
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What will make all this money? Food and drinks are the biggest expenses, making up half of the total at $280 million. Fans will go to neighborhood restaurants and pubs for meals, which will bring in money.
Next is lodging, with hotels and rentals anticipated to bring in $181 million as people stay longer to see more games. Transportation costs another $95 million, which includes flights and moving around town. These locations in Atlanta might really take off, making the city a vibrant center during the tournament.
There are still several things that aren’t clear, like which teams will be fully qualified. Not all spots are locked in yet, so a lot of fans are waiting to schedule their vacations until early 2026. But once that’s taken care of, demand should go up. The U.S. has the most direct flights from all 34 qualified countries, with 3.3% more seats than last year. This makes it easier for people from other countries to get to areas like Atlanta.
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The World Cup will be good for Atlanta’s economy in general. The city is preparing to welcome thousands of people, turning summer into a season of growth. As plans become more concrete, both residents and businesses are excited about the buzz and rewards.
