Overview
- Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium on July 19 to claim the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first edition played with 48 teams and 104 matches.
- U.S. broadcasters reported a combined American audience near 63 million for the final, with Fox’s English-language telecast drawing about 38.9 million and Telemundo/Peacock about 23.9 million.
- FIFA said the expanded tournament drew a record 6.81 million spectators across the three host countries and is expected to generate more than €7 billion in revenue, with total prize money raised to roughly $871 million.
- Federal agencies mounted large security operations for the event: the FBI designated it SEAR One, committed roughly 5,000 personnel, reported no major attacks and said it seized more than 700 drones, while the White House task force secured about $500 million for host-city security and counter‑UAS work.
- The commercial windfall is driving debate inside FIFA about another expansion to as many as 64 teams and is already shaping planning for future bids, broadcast rights and logistics, while players, staff and teams face complex U.S. tax rules that the IRS coordinated with Canada and Mexico to limit double taxation.