World Cup success masks challenges off the pitch

The World Cup has been high on sporting successes so far, fueled by the expansion of the event to 48 teams. However, some of the forecasts made about the football tournament’s global economic impact are unlikely to be realized. Take the prediction from FIFA, the football federation organizing the event. Before the first ball was kicked, it claimed the competition could generate a stimulus shot of well over $40 billion to the global economy, a total larger than the economies of many countries taking part.