Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL THE 2026 WORLD CUP LEAVE PERMANENT INFRASTRUCTURE?
The 2026 World Cup will be historic not only for its size but also for the impact it could have far beyond football. With 48 teams, 16 host cities, and three countries involved (Mexico, the United States, and Canada), the question is: will the infrastructure built survive the final whistle? In this article, we explore the investments, stadiums, transportation, and urban effects that this mega-sporting event promises to leave behind. We analyze whether these projects will be a lasting legacy or footballing white elephants.
Investments and Infrastructure Plans
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest tournament ever organized, with 104 matches and 48 teams, requiring infrastructure commensurate with the scale of the event. Unlike previous World Cups, this one will rely heavily on existing stadiums, especially in the USA, but will also involve major renovations, expansions, and new construction in transportation and services.
How much is being invested?
According to preliminary estimates, the total combined public and private investment could exceed $6 billion across the three countries. In the United States, cities like Los Angeles and New York are upgrading stadiums and public transportation systems. In Mexico, the Azteca Stadium will be completely renovated, with an investment of more than 100 million dollars. Canada will also modernize stadiums like BMO Field in Toronto.
The Azteca Stadium will become the only one in history to host three World Cups.
Dallas plans a “World Cup campus” around AT&T Stadium.
Toronto will expand its stadium to more than 45,000 seats.
Kansas City will invest in pedestrian and hotel infrastructure.
Monterrey is modernizing its road access and transportation.
Stadiums are not being built from scratch like in Qatar 2022 or Brazil 2014, which This could mean a more sustainable approach. However, the true legacy will depend on how these works are used after the tournament.
Stadiums and Urban Legacy
One of the great lessons of past World Cups is that stadiums can become monuments to waste if they are not used afterward. Brazil left several "white elephants," and South Africa continues to grapple with underutilized stadiums. Will it be different in 2026?
The After-Site Use of Stadiums
Fortunately, most of the host stadiums are already home to NFL, MLS, or Mexican soccer teams, which guarantees continued use. AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will remain home to the Cowboys. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is home to the NFL's Falcons and MLS's Atlanta United. In Mexico, Tigres and Rayados will continue to use their stadiums in Monterrey and Guadalajara, respectively.
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey already has commitments for post-World Cup matches.
BBVA Stadium in Monterrey will continue to be Rayados' home.
Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium could be remodeled for mixed use.
In Guadalajara, Akron Stadium plans to become a hub for cultural events.
Toronto's BMO Field will serve as an Olympic stadium if the city submits a future bid.
In addition to stadiums, many cities are using the The World Cup is often used as an excuse to renovate airports, improve street lighting, build subway or light rail lines, and beautify urban areas. While not always directly related to the event, these changes could be transformative. A Deloitte study suggests that each city could generate between $90 and $480 million in economic activity during the tournament. But the important question is what remains afterward: will it translate into a better quality of life for citizens, or was it just a temporary fix?
Social Impact and Future Sustainability
The true legacy of the 2026 World Cup is not only measured in cement and steel, but in what it leaves for people. Will there be greater access to sport? Better opportunities for marginalized communities? Real urban development or just sports marketing?
Sustainability, Tourism, and Social Change
One of FIFA's key commitments for this World Cup is sustainability. Unlike Qatar, where the environmental impact was heavily questioned, the goal for 2026 is to use green technology, clean energy, and limit CO₂ emissions through public transportation and energy efficiency in stadiums. Regarding tourism, more than 5 million visitors are expected to travel between June and July 2026. This has already spurred improvements in air connectivity, hotel construction, and the development of tourist areas. But there are also challenges: how to prevent the gentrification of neighborhoods? What will happen to prices and rents in areas near the stadiums?
Cities are creating citizen committees to monitor budget use.
Some cities are offering subsidies to local businesses to participate in the World Cup.
Youth volunteer programs are being promoted to generate work experience.
Canada plans to use the event as a platform to promote inclusion and diversity.
Mexico is working on community tourism safety campaigns.
The World Cup can be a spark for change if managed with a long-term vision. Cities that seize this opportunity to leave behind permanent infrastructure, decent jobs, and social cohesion could transform their future far beyond the goals. As an old football commentator would say, “The matches are over, but the pitch remains.” In 2026, hopefully, not only will the pitch remain, but also more connected, fair, and vibrant cities for all.
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