2026 FIFA World Cup Plans Impact Across 16 US Cities

Host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are planning ambitious legacy projects, such as renovating sports fields and expanding youth programs, in hopes that the tournament's impact will extend well beyond the event itself. However, these plans are heavily dependent on successful fundraising and government support, with city leaders prepared to scale back if necessary. The extent and duration of fan festivals and community initiatives will vary by city, based on available resources, as some are committed to full tournament-long events while others may limit activities to game days. Organizers see the World Cup as a rare opportunity to catalyze improvements that would otherwise be unlikely within the usual timeframes or budgets.