The World Cup is about money. Sure, it’s about national pride and ridiculous dances and sometimes even soccer. But really it’s about money. Money and monied brands and money people who are trying to monetize things.
FIFA projects it will generate $9 billion from this World Cup year, while one study estimates the tournament overall for the three host countries will generate $41 billion in GDP, which is higher than the GDP of three countries still competing in the World Cup (don’t think too hard about that one).
Beyond the obvious haul of each country’s soccer federation ($22 million-$63 million depending on stage reached) and the players (a lot smaller than that despite the artistry of the Pulisics and Messis and Mbappes of the world), who is benefitting from this financially? Not just with literal finances, but in reputation and other ways you can cash in. When more than 4.6 million people attend games in person and when an average of more than ten million people are watching each game in the U.S. alone, you have some big opportunities when you affiliate with the World Cup — whether you’re a player, sponsor, commentator, influencer, tourist board, venue or gambling site.
Of course, you also have the opportunity to flub that opportunity, as being affiliated with the tournament can be…pricey. So you better ensure you’re getting some ROI, which when it comes to the World Cup is an even more important acronym than VAR.
