Every four years, the world holds its breath for the biggest sports event other than the Olympics. The event that unites billions of soccer fanatics worldwide, from Brazil to Japan, is the FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is not just a game that unites 5 billion people to watch the sport, but it also has significant economic impacts.
This year’s host nations are the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with many games taking place near Bergen County. The games start on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, and the finale will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Internationally, the World Cup will significantly boost the economies of the host countries. “A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization projected the gross economic output of the event to reach $80.1 billion and estimated the tournament’s direct contribution to global GDP at $40.9 billion” (Anadolu Agency).
Adding to the profit, the original 32-team format has changed to include 48 teams, which allows for 104 matches. “FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated the reason for this move is to be ‘more inclusive… [since] we are in the 21st century, and we have to shape the World Cup of the 21st century.'” However, this might not be the sole cause for the decision; FIFA research states that “external revenue is predicted to increase to £5.29bn [~$7,000,000,000] for a 48-team tournament, increasing profit to £521m [~$696,000,000]” (BBC). However, Victor Matheson, professor of sports economics at College of the Holy Cross, “told Newsweek that the economic impact for the US ‘is likely to be a fraction of what is being advertised’” (Anadolu Agency).
It is estimated that the World Cup “will generate a $3.3 billion economic impact and over 26,000 jobs in the New York and New Jersey region” (Latination). Direct neighbors to MetLife Stadium, the hotels, restaurants, and malls in East Rutherford will benefit immensely from the increase in foot traffic.
However, for the consumer, it is a huge financial burden. From ticket to travel costs, news outlets are forecasting that this will be the most expensive World Cup, with lodging costing more than the ticket itself.
While the tournament encourages economic growth, the localized downsides for Bergen County residents are hitting close to home. On one hand, demand for small businesses, hotels, and restaurants throughout North Jersey will increase, so prices for local consumers will inevitably rise.
However, the downsides might be the increased prices for locals and increased traffic. As the demand for hotels and restaurants increases, prices will also increase. Since the World Cup is taking place at MetLife Stadium, traffic will increase significantly. AP Physics teacher, Ms. Abahazy, is concerned about traffic, overcrowded highways, and visitors who may not know how to navigate our local roads. As a resident of Hasbrouck Heights, she feels that Bergen County already has traffic, so it is necessary to address the problem.
To address these problems, NJ Transit has recommended that commuters not travel on the rails unless it is an emergency, and has enacted that “during the four-hour pre-match restricted period, only FIFA World Cup 26™ match ticket holders may exit trains at Secaucus Junction Station” (NJ Transit). Although it might lower the train traffic, it may not deal with the local road and highway traffic.
For this article, I interviewed students and teachers about their favorite teams and players. Many support Team USA, but our school’s diverse community has students rooting for countries like England, Argentina, and France. Junior Selen Sari stated, “I’m looking forward to Turkey vs. Paraguay because my family is originally from Turkey.” She also recognizes that, “whether it’s on TikTok or in our classrooms, you can see how these games completely unite people to support their favorite teams. My favorite player to watch right now is Kenan Yildiz.”
Junior Peyton Benisatto’s sister responded with: “I’m looking forward to seeing England, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, and Brazil. Personally, I’m supporting England because of their great roster, though I’m unsure if they can go all the way through since they haven’t won it in so long! My favorite players are Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. To me, the FIFA games mean community, culture, global unity, and a common love for a sport.”
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Bruh, and Ms. Amato are supporting various teams, including the US, Argentina, Belgium, and other countries. Ms. Abahazy is excited to see returning players and the next generation. In the end, everyone comes together for a single sport, whether it is called soccer or football; the sport binds communities to support their favorite teams and players and have a friendly rivalry.
Many soccer fanatics are eager to see their favorite players come onto the field and play. This year’s most famous returning players are: Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Al-Nassr, Neymar playing for Al-Hilal, Kylian Mbappé playing for Real Madrid, and Erling Haaland playing for English Premier League club Manchester City.
It has been reported that Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III has sent a formal letter to the NYNJ FIFA World Cup Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry requesting discounts on tickets for Bergen County residents, as they will face the brunt of traffic, and also since they are hosting eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including the final round.
The World Cup unites people worldwide, and as soccer fanatics travel to different countries to view the games, it promotes cultural exchange between locals and international fans. These games bring people together to watch the sport, regardless of the country they support.
