Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (7) makes an attempt on goal as Spain's Aymeric Laporte tries to block during the first half of their Round of 16 FIFA World Cup match at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Monday. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
July 6 (UPI) -- Soccer fans around the world are witnessing a tournament on a scale never seen before. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 national teams playing 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The expanded competition has opened the game to more countries, players and supporters, extending FIFA's commercial reach considerably.
FIFA has raised its revenue target for the 2023-2026 financial cycle to $13 billion. The organization says more than 90% of its budgeted investments will be directed back into football.
Whatever one thinks of FIFA, it has become one of the most commercially powerful institutions in global sport.
