The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, a $1-billion investment, has fallen short of economic expectations. Economists at Bank of Montreal predicted a modest 0.1 percentage point boost to Canada's quarterly annualized GDP, a far cry from the hoped-for economic windfall. While consumer spending and tourism saw a temporary lift, the overall impact on the Canadian economy has been minimal. The tournament's economic benefits were muted, with no major economic impact and a net benefit that may be negligible. The increase in international visitors was minimal, and the net benefit to the Canadian economy is uncertain. The tournament's cost and potential for displacement of other tourists raise questions about its true economic impact. The World Cup's economic legacy remains uncertain, with potential long-term effects yet to be realized.
