FIFA estimates that its next two flagship summer tournaments – the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, will generate a staggering $62 billion in global economic impact and $47 billion for the United States.

Business Day reports that the soccer governing body, alongside the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat, unveiled two comprehensive socioeconomic reports highlighting the projected financial and social benefits of hosting the tournaments, both set to be primarily staged in the U.S.

The expanded 32- team Club World Cup, scheduled for June 14 to July 13, 2025, is projected to contribute up to $21.1 billion in global GDP, with $9.6 billion of that within the U.S.

Domestically, the tournament could also generate $17.1 billion in gross output and unlock $3.36 billion in social benefits, while supporting the creation of approximately 105,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.

FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup is no longer a low-profile exhibition. With Inter Miami and Lionel Messi headlining the opening match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the month-long competition is being billed as a major global football event.

The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with other host cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Orlando, Nashville, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

World Cup 2026: Global GDP boost and nearly 1 million jobs

Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the economic projections are even more significant.

The tournament is expected to drive up to $40.9 billion in global GDP, while generating $8.28 billion in social benefits.

Globally, nearly 824,000 jobs could be created, with 185,000 of those expected in the U.S. alone. Domestically, the World Cup could bring in $30.5 billion in gross output and $17.2 billion in GDP.

The 2026 tournament will kick off on June 11 and conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, and metropolitan areas around Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Matches will also be played in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey in Mexico, and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Los Angeles FC, LAFC.

Miami suffered a 1-0 loss in the quarter-final first leg, their first defeat of the season.

Nathan Ordaz scored the only goal of the game in the 57th minute of the encounter.

Ordaz’s strike hands LAFC a slim advantage ahead of next week’s return leg in Florida.

Unbeaten in nine games across all competitions since the start of the season, Messi and Miami arrived in Los Angeles as the form team of Major League Soccer, MLS.

A disappointing night for Messi was summed up by his failure to hit the target with a free kick in a good position deep into stoppage time.

Messi sent his shot over the bar as LAFC held on for a deserved victory.

Under the guidance of ITTF – certified coaches, the young athletes will be introduced to advanced techniques and strategies to refine their skills.

The training hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, will come alive today as the 2025 U-12 National Hopes Week, organized by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), begins.

Scheduled to run from April 2 to April 8, the event aims to discover and nurture young table tennis talents from across Nigeria.

This year’s edition promises to be an exciting showcase, with the most promising U-12 players from various states and regions gathering in Lagos for an intensive training camp..

Under the guidance of ITTF-certified coaches, the young athletes will be introduced to advanced techniques and strategies to refine their skills.

The NTTF said that the program is designed to provide a platform for these budding talents to display their abilities, gain valuable experience, and prepare for continental and World Hopes Week competitions.

The federation remains committed to developing the next generation of table tennis stars and fostering grassroots participation in the sport, with support from both the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and ITTF-Africa.

Throughout the week, participants will engage in a series of matches and training sessions aimed at enhancing their technical and tactical knowledge.

In addition, the event will facilitate networking opportunities for players, coaches, and officials, allowing them to exchange ideas and best practices.