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⚽ World Cup 2026 · Host City Initiative

Where Everyone Feels at Home

The Welcome Standard is a commitment by businesses and host cities to create safe, welcoming environments for the millions of fans, visitors, and workers taking part in World Cup 2026. Good hospitality is good business.

$30B+
Economic Impact
5M
Expected Visitors
290K
Jobs Created
11
U.S. Host Cities
Welcome Seal
Why Join

Good Hospitality Is Good Business

World Cup 2026 is the largest sporting event in history. Businesses that embrace hospitality will capture the opportunity.

📈

Increased Revenue

Host cities will see $160-620 million in economic activity each. Welcome businesses are positioned to capture their share of visitor spending.

🌎

Global Visibility

5 billion viewers worldwide. Visitors from every nation. Your business becomes part of the World Cup experience that guests share and remember.

🤝

Community Trust

When visitors and locals feel safe and welcome, they stay longer, spend more, and return. The Welcome Standard builds the trust that protects your bottom line.

📊

Visitor Confidence

12+ countries have issued travel advisories affecting visitor plans. Businesses that proactively signal a welcoming environment capture travelers looking for trusted destinations.

The Opportunity

A Once-in-a-Generation Economic Event

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest sporting event ever held, spanning 16 cities across North America. For local businesses, this isn't just about soccer — it's about capturing a massive influx of visitors ready to spend — at a time when international travel confidence needs a boost.

  • 🏨
    Hotels & Accommodations 7-25% revenue increase expected during tournament months. With industry RevPAR growth at just 0.2% — the slowest in years — World Cup 2026 is hospitality's biggest growth opportunity
  • 🍽️
    Restaurants & Food Service Visitors spend 50% of their budget on dining and entertainment
  • 🛍️
    Retail & Services Average visitor spending of $2,350 per person across all categories
  • 🚗
    Transportation & Tourism Extended stays mean more local exploration and spending
$47B
Total Economic Output (FIFA-WTO Study)
$1.5B
Houston Estimate
$929M
Seattle Estimate
$653M
Kansas City Estimate
$594M
Los Angeles Estimate
The Commitment

What Is the Welcome Standard?

Simple principles that signal to every visitor: you belong here.

1

Warm Welcome

Train staff to greet all guests with respect and courtesy, regardless of language, background, or appearance.

2

Safe Environment

Maintain spaces where patrons, employees, and visitors feel comfortable and protected.

3

Inclusive Service

Serve all customers equally and fairly, creating positive experiences that build loyalty and word-of-mouth.

4

Community Pride

Represent your city's best qualities to visitors from around the world during this historic event.

What Businesses Say

Building Success Together

Hear from business owners who understand that hospitality drives growth.

"When people feel welcome, they become regulars. The Welcome Standard isn't just about the World Cup — it's about building the kind of business our community deserves."

M

Maria Santos

Restaurant Owner, Miami

"Our staff training on hospitality best practices has already improved customer satisfaction scores. We're ready to show the world what Seattle is all about."

J

James Chen

Hotel Manager, Seattle

"The economic opportunity is real. Being part of the Welcome Standard network connects us with other businesses and visitors looking for quality experiences."

R

Robert Williams

Shop Owner, Philadelphia
Welcome Standard Seal

Ready to Welcome the World?

Join the network of businesses committed to making World Cup 2026 an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike. It's free to join.

Get Started  »
Where It Happens

U.S. Host Cities

🏟️Atlanta
🏟️Boston
🏟️Dallas
🏟️Houston
🏟️Kansas City
🏟️Los Angeles
🏟️Miami
🏟️New York/NJ
🏟️Philadelphia
🏟️San Francisco
🏟️Seattle