The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring a significant economic boost to North Texas, with nine matches scheduled to take place in Arlington over the next month. Local leaders have projected up to $2 billion in economic impact to the region, although some have expressed concerns that the actual figure may be lower due to various headwinds, including higher gas prices and international travel restrictions.

Local Angle

Despite these challenges, North Texas is still expected to see a significant influx of visitors, with many fans already booking hotels and short-term rentals in the area. The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau has reported that June and July are likely to be two of the best revenue months in the city’s history.

International fans are also streaming into the region, with many fans from countries such as Croatia and Japan already arriving in the area. The local Croat community, which numbers around 5,000 families, is particularly excited to see their team in action, with many fans traveling from across the country to attend the match.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of the World Cup is expected to be felt across the region, with many local businesses likely to benefit from the influx of visitors. However, some have expressed concerns that the high cost of tickets and travel may deter some fans from attending the matches.

According to Bram Gallagher, director of economics and forecasting at AirDNA, a consulting firm that analyzes the market for shared rental owners, bookings are up 30.4% above the same time last year for the DFW market. The average rent for booked listings is $221 per night, with the less expensive rentals getting booked first.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.