The 2026 World Cup may have been an unparalleled spectacle, but its true value lies in leaving a lasting impact on American football. Unfortunately, the record profits generated by FIFA are now casting a shadow over its legacy, with concerns growing that this could be a hollow victory for the sport's development in the US.
By embracing the glitz and glamour of big-time sports – think half-time shows, championship rings, and regular commercial breaks – the tournament has been accused of prioritising revenue above all else. The financial structure imposed by FIFA means that the lion's share of profits will be siphoned off to Switzerland, leaving a mere trickle for local organisers to reinvest in grassroots development.
The US Soccer Federation found itself playing catch-up throughout the process, forced to think on its feet to secure any meaningful impact at home. Unlike the 1994 World Cup, which left behind a sizeable 'pot of gold' for reinvestment in American football programmes, the 2026 tournament will leave little to no lasting legacy, raising eyebrows about whether it genuinely cultivated new fans or was just a TV-watching phenomenon.
On the pitch, however, the expanded 48-team format proved to be an unbridled success. Debutants made their mark, and even co-hosts Mexico and Canada impressed with their performances and organisational efforts. El Tri's breakthrough run into the last 16 was a highlight of the tournament, while Canada's vibrant atmosphere and debutant status only added to its charm.
As FIFA basks in the glow of record profits, the question remains: what lasting impact will this World Cup truly leave on American football? Can the reported TV viewing boom be converted into sustained engagement and growth without any direct financial dividends from the tournament itself?