Europe Warns Over Soaring 2026 World Cup Costs
European football associations have sounded the alarm over spiraling expenses ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, warning that the expanded 48-team tournament could stretch budgets to the limit.
Officials say vast travel distances, cross-border logistics and longer stays will sharply inflate costs, particularly for smaller nations. “We want to compete, but the financial demands are rising fast,” one FA representative admitted. Another added, “Operating across three countries changes everything.”
A sports finance analyst described the North American edition as “the most expensive World Cup ever for federations.”
With qualifiers approaching, European bodies are pressing FIFA for clarity and possible financial backing before the road to 2026 intensifies.