The 2030 World Cup, which Spain will co-host with Morocco and Portugal -in addition to three centennial matches in South America-, promises to be a sporting event with an unprecedented economic impact. The Government has estimated that this tournament will bring the country benefits of 5.12 billion euros to the GDP, in addition to more than 5.5 billion in tourist revenue, news that excites the cities that have confirmed to be one of the 11 venues (in nine cities) that the event will have in Spain (compared to six in Morocco and three in Portugal).
The employment impact will also be significant: 82,513 full-time jobs are expected to be created, according to studies by academic institutions. Although the direct benefits will be concentrated in the host cities, tourist spending is expected to reach the entire national territory.
SAVINGS IN ORGANIZATIONAL COSTS
The overall organizational costs, calculated on the basis of FIFA’s usual figures, will be significantly lower thanks to the joint organization between Spain, Morocco and Portugal. According to the calculations, the overall savings amount to 238 million euros, with reductions in technical services, security and IT.
The main costs include television operations (320 million), personnel management (240 million) and transport (101 million). However, competitive price levels in the host countries will make it possible to optimize costs, even offsetting the challenge of managing up to 20 stadiums in 17 cities.
HISTORIC GROWTH IN REVENUES
On the revenue side, worldwide live audience growth of 5% is expected over the previous edition, driven by audiovisual and marketing rights. Ticket sales and preferred services will exceed the estimated base figure by 20%, bringing in more than 190 million in additional revenue.
Other related revenues, such as licensing and food and beverage sales, also reflect optimistic figures. Retail sales are estimated to exceed the base figure by EUR 47 million, while food and beverage marketing will contribute an extra EUR 2.8 million.
A PROFITABLE AND STRATEGIC WORLD CUP
The three-country co-organization model not only reduces costs, but also diversifies economic benefits and strengthens international relations. Spain, as one of the pillars of this project, is strategically positioned as a benchmark in the management of major sporting events.
