In less than two months, Seattle will begin hosting matches for the 2026 World Cup. 

And, like in the 10 other U.S. host cities, there is a lot of excitement here about this mega international sporting event coming to town.

... But there's likely some trepidation, too, as people think ahead to the congested streets, possible transit hangups and big crowds. 

Seattleites could be tempted to ask, how did we get roped into this and will it be worth it?

We called up a sports economist for answers. 

Guest:
Victor Matheson, a professor at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts

Related links:
"The Economics of the World Cup" by Victor Matheson
The World Cup is around the corner. Are cities and states prepared? • Stateline
Why Host The Olympics When History Shows It's Likely A Money Pit? : The Indicator from Planet Money : NPR
KUOW - Will this summer's World Cup be an economic win for Seattle?

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

In less than two months, Seattle will begin hosting matches for the 2026 World Cup.&nbsp;
And, like in the 10 other U.S. host cities, there is a lot of excitement here about this mega international sporting event coming to town.
... But there's likely some trepidation, too, as people think ahead to the congested streets, possible transit hangups and big crowds.&nbsp;
Seattleites could be tempted to ask, how did we get roped into this and will it be worth it?
We called up a sports economist for answers.&nbsp;
Guest:
<ul>
<li>Victor Matheson, a professor at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts</li>
</ul>
Related links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://crossworks.holycross.edu/econ_working_papers/180/">"The Economics of the World Cup" by Victor Matheson</a></li>
<li><a href="https://stateline.org/2026/03/31/the-world-cup-is-around-the-corner-are-cities-and-states-prepared/">The World Cup is around the corner. Are cities and states prepared? &bull; Stateline</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/05/1025310133/why-host-the-olympics">Why Host The Olympics When History Shows It's Likely A Money Pit? : The Indicator from Planet Money : NPR</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/will-this-summers-world-cup-be-an-economic-win-for-seattle">KUOW - Will this summer's World Cup be an economic win for Seattle?</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

Seattle has been buzzing with excitement over this year's World Cup. But does all of the preparation, financial investment and fanfare pay off for host cities in the end? 