Is it football? Is it soccer? Whatever the name, it’s big business. On this episode of Econ World, sports economist and author Stefan Szymanski joins host Carmel Crimmins to explore how the World Cup became a multi-billion-dollar spectacle, and why the 2026 event is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Plus, find out how an economist predicts the World Cup winner.

Sign up for the ⁠⁠Reuters Econ World ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠

Catch Reuters Morning Bid ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

For information on our privacy and data protection practices visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices