In charts: the economics, audience and power of the 2026 Fifa World Cup

Strong footballing ecosystems—built through elite leagues, youth academies, coaching networks and decades of sporting tradition—have allowed a handful of countries to dominate the tournament for nearly a century. While a record 48 countries are participating this year, previous winners such as Spain, France, and England are expected to be the top contenders. India, which has a large Fifa following, has never participated in the World Cup. Growth boost Hosting the Fifa World Cup can be more than a sporting honour—it often leads to an economic boost. A joint Fifa-World Trade Organization study estimates the 2026 tournament will add $40.9 billion…