Cost of World Cup Since 1994

The World Cup costs have varied with host nations building stadiums and other infrastructure. The costs since 1994 were as follows:

Costs of Qatar’s new stadiums range between USD6.5-10 billion (higher than USD4 billion proposed in the bid). Other costs include hotels, underground metro and airports.

About 1.5 million fans are expected, which will boost tourism and hospitality sectors. Qatar expects to reap USD9 billion in profits (with costs of stadiums at USD8 billion). Qatar’s economy will have a financial return of USD17 billion (that’s according to Qatari sources).

For FIFA, it is set to generate £3 billion from the World Cup in Qatar. From broadcasting rights about £1.9 billion and the balance from marketing rights and ticket sales. But for workers it is different.

More than 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka have died since 2010 building the infrastructure. Over 1.7 million workers were involved but the expensive recruitment fees, appalling living conditions, salaries not paid according to recruitment, delayed salaries (over several months), restrictions on movements or changing jobs and threatened if any complaints are made.

So, was this all worth it for a beautiful game?

Reference:

FIFA will earn £3 billion from 2022 World Cup in Qatar while migrant workers building the stadiums make just £8.30-a-day in the richest country on earth – and thousands have died since the Middle Eastern state was awarded the tournament, Charlie Walker, MailOnline, 25 March 2021