The three group stage matches have the potential to generate R$ 91,8 million in revenue. Photo: Fabio Motta
The 2026 World Cup could generate up to R$ 244,9 million in the Rio de Janeiro economy during the Brazilian national team's matches. This estimate is part of the study "Potential Economic Impact of Brazil's Games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the Rio de Janeiro Economy," prepared by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariat of Economic Development (SMDE) and Riotur. The calculation considers the most favorable scenario for Brazil in the competition: playing all eight possible matches, reaching the final, and winning their sixth world championship.
According to the survey, the national team's trajectory in the competition could represent significant gains for the Rio de Janeiro economy. With each Brazilian victory in the tournament, the economic impact grows by approximately R$ 30,6 million per match played. The three group stage matches have the potential to generate R$ 91,8 million. In the following round, the value rises to R$ 122,4 million. The projected amount for the round of 16 is R$ 153 million, for the quarterfinals R$ 183,6 million, and for the semifinals R$ 214,2 million. The calculations take into account fan spending on transportation, tickets and consumption at parties, food and drinks to consume at home, accessories, spending at bars and restaurants, among other expenses incurred by fans who gather to watch the games. If the Brazilian national team reaches the final, the economic impact on the city could reach R$ 244,9 million.
The estimates are based on the study "Economy of Football in Rio de Janeiro," published by the Municipality, and consider the behavior of fans of the four major Rio de Janeiro clubs, Flamengo, Fluminense, Vasco, and Botafogo, who usually watch matches in bars, restaurants, stadiums, and gatherings with friends and family.
Few cities experience football with the intensity of Rio de Janeiro. When the national team takes the field, bars, restaurants, and social spaces become bustling, generating benefits for various sectors of the economy. The study shows that the passion of Rio residents for football also translates into income generation and opportunities for the city," highlights Osmar Lima, the municipal secretary of Economic Development.
In addition to the bar, restaurant, tourism, commerce, and entertainment sectors, the study points to benefits for the sporting goods trade, the organization of themed events, and investments in infrastructure geared towards broadcasts and public celebrations during the tournament.
The results reinforce the relevance of major sporting events as drivers of economic activity. The mobilization generated by Brazil's games stimulates different production chains linked to tourism, entertainment, and gastronomy, increasing the circulation of people and consumption in various parts of the city," says the president of Riotur, Bernardo Fellows.
The full study is available at the Rio Economic Observatory and on the Riotur website: economic observatory.rio
