It is many years down the road, but there is already talk of how the U.S. economy would be affected by hosting the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022. A recent study conducted by the Economics practice at a leading sports consulting firm (AECOM) indicated that the United States would receive a potential boost of $5 billion if it were to host the World Cup.
Of course, another way to look at it is that the event is so far away that estimates like this one are simply a waste of money. So many things could happen in that time to offset any economic benefits suggested either nine or 14 years in advance. The biggest benefit a study like provides is encouraging investors to front money to help support a bid that would eventually turn a profit.
What do you think of the study? Is it a waste of time to suggest how much money would be made out of this? Think the United States win a bid for either year?
Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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