Home of football statistics and historyThe 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico – the first time three nations have staged the prestigious tournament.
That is just one of several intriguing ‘firsts’ for what is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated editions in World Cup history.
Read on as we look at some of the ways the World Cup will set new benchmarks this summer, starting with the lucrative betting industry.
Betting sites braced for a surge in first-time bettors
Approximately 19 percent of football fans worldwide reportedly plan to wager online for the first time during the World Cup.
Millions of new bettors will enter the market during the tournament. This will boost revenues generated by sports betting sites and have a knock-on effect on other verticals.
Operators of casino online platforms will benefit as punters explore options such as slots, blackjack, roulette and poker. The growth potential is off the scale.
Around 60% of fans say they plan to wager on World Cup games in some capacity. The numbers are even more eye-catching amongst the host nations.
Ontario is one of the most vibrant regions for betting in Canada, with a market size worth $2.2 billion. Almost half of people in Ontario plan to bet on the World Cup.
Approximately 70% of fans plan to watch or follow most or all of the games live. Around 85% of potential bettors say they will follow almost every game.
In parts of the US where sports betting is legal, more than 60% of fans say they expect to place bets during the tournament, and nearly a third of them will be first-time bettors.
There is also plenty of enthusiasm for the World Cup in Mexico, where 68% of fans plan to bet, including 26% for the first time.
Fans will be clamouring to watch the World Cup live
More than 60% of employed supporters will keep up with matches while they are at work.
Some people plan to watch the games on their mobile phones, while others will keep track of the latest developments through live score apps or highlights throughout the day.
This will be commonplace in Latin America. Many workers say they will stay updated on the tournament even while doing their jobs.
With streaming services, sports apps and social media, fans can follow matches almost anywhere. They no longer need to sit in front of a television at home or in a bar.
The expanded 48-team line-up for the tournament creates significant challenges for broadcasters. Those will be amplified when the final is played on July 19.
Industry leaders have predicted that the worldwide viewing audience for the final in New Jersey could exceed 1.5 billion people.
It has been estimated that at least 80,000 miles of fibre optic technology has been being leveraged to connect all the stadiums in North America.
Verizon has made network upgrades, adding more 5G spectrum to boost capacity by an estimated three to five times across all host venues.
This will enable fans to more easily watch live action, check player statistics, bet in-play and share the biggest moments on social media.
Millions of people will travel to North America this summer
Going to a World Cup match is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sports fans, as it combines international travel and the excitement of a global event.
The tournament will boost tourism across the host countries. Hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues are preparing for an influx of visitors who will travel to watch their teams.
Intriguingly, a recent survey of more than 200 hotels surveyed across the 11 US host cities reported that hotel bookings are below initial forecasts.
Most respondents noted issues with overseas visitors obtaining visas, in addition to other geopolitical challenges, as the main factors slowing down travel demand.
Despite the teething problems, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) remains hopeful that the World Cup will deliver the desired results for its members.
“World Cup hotel bookings are tracking below expectations due to FIFA cancellations, international traveller headwinds, and new tax and fee proposals that are injecting uncertainty into travellers’ plans,” the AHLA report read.
“Policy restraint and operational transparency can unlock remaining potential. Host cities such as Philadelphia, New Jersey and others must avoid tax hikes that compound uncertainty, preserving jobs and revenue for a tournament still poised to deliver if late demand materialises.”
While there still some logistical problems to overcome, FIFA’s forecast that the 3.5 million attendance mark set in 1994 could be surpassed this summer should come to fruition.
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