The next Football World Cup will boost global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by around four tenths and that of the United States by around six tenths, according to a report released this Thursday by Bank Of America (BofA).
According to the bank, experts foresee a "significant" effect from the FIFA World Cup 2026, which kicks off this Thursday and will take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The entity points out that some of these favorable effects may have already begun to be reflected in the May employment data and emphasizes that "the tournament is another boost for the US economy and another reason to expect inflation to be more persistent in the short term."
As the official banking sponsor of the 2026 Football World Cup, Bank of America launched a global initiative this Thursday aimed at reaching more than 10,000 young people in 14 countries – including Spain – before the end of 2028, through agreements with established sports for development organizations.
The project, called 'Sports with Us' and in which former footballer David Beckham will participate, is aimed at young people between 11 and 24 years old from vulnerable or excluded backgrounds. The program combines sports practice with training in leadership, teamwork, communication, well-being, and financial education, in order to promote their personal and professional growth, as the entity details in a note.
"We have the opportunity to generate an impact that lasts much longer than the final whistle. This initiative harnesses the power of sport to help young people, regardless of their background, develop skills, confidence, and resilience," said the President of Bank of America's International Division, Bernard Mensah.
"Football has given me opportunities I could only dream of, and I've seen how powerful it can be in fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in young people," said Beckham, who highlights that the program "focuses on the whole person, not just the game, but also the skills and support young people need to build their future."