May 2026 – It could actually happen. After 1934, 1938, and 1954, the Swiss national football team is dreaming of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals once again – this time at the tournament set to kick off in just a few weeks in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. With Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar in Group B, the Swiss won’t face any overwhelming opponents in the group stage. So, the round of 16 is within reach – and the semi-finals? Well, let’s not get carried away, but anything is possible!
Bigger than ever before
The 2026 World Cup is making history in more ways than one. For the first time ever, 48 nations will compete – more teams than in any previous tournament. The lion’s share of the action will take place in the USA, which will host 78 of the 104 total matches across 11 cities, while Mexico and Canada will each host 13 games. Observers call the 2026 World Cup a historic turning point for football – not just because of the expanded number of teams, but also due to its unprecedented geographical scale.
While the 2018 World Cup in Russia already spanned vast distances with 11 host cities across multiple time zones and climates – the westernmost point (Kaliningrad) and the easternmost (Yekaterinburg) were nearly 2,500 km apart as the crow flies, with overland travel reaching up to 3,000 km – the 2026 edition will be even more sprawling. In Mexico alone, Monterrey and Mexico City are roughly 900 km apart, while in the U.S., the distance between Seattle and New York stretches about 4,500 km. This presents massive logistical challenges – not just for the teams, but also for fans, organizers, suppliers, and vendors.
And then there’s the record-breaking number of visitors. With more participating nations, the influx of international fans is expected to surge. Estimates suggest five to seven million additional tourists from around the globe. Stadium attendance is also projected to far exceed previous tournaments, thanks to roughly double the ticket availability compared to past decades. Demand appears strong – at least in some places: According to the German Football Association (DFB), German fans remain highly interested despite steep ticket prices.
In contrast, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) reports lukewarm demand from Swiss supporters.
New revenue streams for the economy
All of this, of course, has a major economic ripple effect. According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the 2026 World Cup could generate short-term economic impacts of $5 billion, creating 40,000 jobs and $1 billion in additional wages for workers. For Los Angeles alone, experts at research firm Micronomics project a $594 million economic boost and $35 million in tax revenue for the greater L.A. area. The economic impact extends well beyond simple stadium improvements like fresh turf or extra security.
Among the biggest beneficiaries of the North American World Cup are likely to be companies catering to the surge in transportation demand – airlines, rail operators, and logistics firms. While international carriers will fly fans in from abroad, domestic airlines should also see heightened activity during the tournament. This bodes well for Delta Air Lines, which operates an extensive U.S. domestic network. For shorter trips, many tourists may opt for trains or rental cars, potentially benefiting publicly traded U.S. providers like Avis and Hertz, as well as Germany’s Sixt, which has a U.S. presence.
Boom in accommodation demand
But it isn’t just about visitors’ mobility – it’s also about where they stay. Hotels, especially major chains with a strong presence in the U.S. and the other two host nations, are poised to benefit. Brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Intercontinental stand to gain significantly. According to an analysis by U.S. sports outlet “The Athletic”, hotel prices in host cities have already surged by up to 300% compared to standard rates during the opening matches.
Airbnb is also expected to see a major surge in demand as fans turn to private rentals. A study by Deloitte estimates that roughly 2.7 million of the total expected overnight stays in North America during the tournament will be booked through Airbnb. Direct spending by Airbnb guests is projected to reach $1.2 billion ($865 million in the U.S., $169 million in Mexico, and $177 million in Canada). Additionally, Airbnb hosts in North America are expected to earn around $212 million during this period ($156 million in the U.S., $25 million in Mexico, and $31 million in Canada).
Beyond hospitality, tech and media companies could also emerge as winners. The 2026 World Cup will serve as a testing ground for new fan engagement tools: digital platforms, streaming services, data-driven solutions, and immersive technologies. This creates opportunities for global corporations and niche startups alike. So, while the tournament will thrill fans on the pitch and on TV, it may also captivate audiences in virtual formats – like gaming consoles – further boosting the growing e-sports trend.
Either way, we’ll be cheering for the Swiss national team.