The Markets Ledger

2026 World Cup: FIFA sees billions, economists see illusions

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already stimulated growth in consumer spending in the host cities in the United States, but initial economic data does not yet support FIFA’s optimistic forecast that the tournament will generate at least $30.5 billion for the host countries’ economies.

‘Lionel Messi doesn’t upset his team-mates’ – Cristiano Ronaldo an ‘accident waiting to happen’ for Portugal in World Cup knockout stages, says England legend

England icon John Barnes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo’s attitude could derail Portugal in the World Cup knockout stages, describing the situation as an accident waiting to happen. In contrast, Barnes praised Lionel Messi, highlighting how the Argentina captain’s humble nature unites his team-mates, unlike Ronaldo who creates tension when things do not go his way.