The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to deliver a substantial economic lift to North America's travel sector, with Canada expected to see the most pronounced gains, according to a new analysis from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is projected to boost tourism GDP across the three nations, reinforcing the region's position as a global travel hub.
The WTTC estimates that Canada's travel and tourism GDP will expand by 6.4% as a direct result of the World Cup, while Mexico is forecast to see a 2.4% increase and the United States a 2.1% rise. The council describes the event as a “strategic opportunity” to accelerate long-term tourism growth through improved air connectivity, integrated travel experiences, and closer collaboration among the host countries.
“It is a unique opportunity for North America to accelerate tourism growth, strengthen connectivity and showcase the region to millions of travellers around the world,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the WTTC, in a statement accompanying the report.
Mexico's Tourism Momentum
While Canada is expected to lead in terms of World Cup-driven growth, Mexico already holds the top spot in the region's tourism performance. According to the WTTC's 2026 Economic Impact Report, Mexico's tourism GDP grew by 1.8% in 2025, outpacing the United States (0.9%) and Canada (1.2%). Mexico also recorded the highest increase in international visitor spending, up 3.5%, while both the US and Canada saw declines of 4.6% and 3.5%, respectively.
International arrivals to Mexico rose by 6.1% in 2025, contrasting with drops of 5.5% in the United States and 0.6% in Canada. These figures underscore Mexico's resilience and appeal as a destination, even as the broader region prepares for the World Cup influx.
The WTTC warns that sustaining this momentum will require continued investment in aviation infrastructure, digital innovation, and streamlined entry processes. Without such measures, the region risks losing its competitive edge as other destinations ramp up their offerings.
Across North America, the travel and tourism sector is expected to support 30.9 million jobs in 2026, equivalent to 12.7% of total employment in the region. Globally, the WTTC projects that tourism will contribute $12 trillion to the world economy in 2026, nearly 10% of global GDP, and sustain 376 million jobs.
For European travellers, the World Cup presents an opportunity to explore North America's diverse landscapes and cities, from Vancouver and Toronto to Mexico City and Los Angeles. The tournament also coincides with a broader trend of slow tourism gaining traction in Europe, where luxury cruise and rail combos are attracting travelers seeking more immersive experiences.
Notably, the 2026 World Cup will see the return of Canada to the tournament after a 36-year absence, while several European nations, including Italy, Romania, and Ireland, will be absent. For more on the lineup, see our coverage of World Cup 2026: Italy, Romania, and Ireland Among Notable Absentees as Canada Returns.
The WTTC's findings highlight the potential for major sporting events to drive economic and tourism growth, but also underscore the need for strategic planning to ensure benefits are sustained beyond the final whistle.
