Business Daily: The Making of a World Cup
BBC World Service | Host: Megan Lawton | Aired: December 4, 2025
Overview:
This episode dives deep into the business, logistics, and promises behind hosting the largest FIFA Men’s World Cup to date, co-organized by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. With preparations in full swing for the 2026 tournament—set to be the first spread across three countries and 48 teams—the episode explores the immense costs, anticipated economic benefits, infrastructure challenges, and the mixed legacy of hosting mega sporting events.
Key Discussion Points and Insights:
1. Setting the Scene: Toronto’s World Cup Preparations
- Host: Megan Lawton visits Toronto’s under-construction stadium, joined by event planner Sharon Bolenbach ([01:34]).
- Toronto will host 6 matches, including Canada’s opener, with extensive upgrades underway:
- $150 million CAD “facelift” to expand capacity from ~28,000 to 45,000 through temporary seating ([04:23]).
- Local pride emphasized: “How do we put a Toronto stamp on it so people…really feel some ownership and some pride about hosting this event.” – Sharon Bolenbach ([03:28]).
Notable Quote:
“It’s the biggest global sporting event in the world.”
– Sharon Bolenbach, [01:34]
2. Urban Infrastructure and Mobility Challenges
- Traffic is a top concern: Toronto expects up to 300,000 World Cup visitors ([04:50]).
- Solutions: Early planning for expanded transit, extended operating hours, encouragement to use rideshare/bike-share, and pedestrian access ([05:07]).
- “Probably outside of any operational element, we started work on our mobility plan earlier than anything else.” – Sharon Bolenbach ([05:07])
3. Economics of Hosting a World Cup
- Significant investment: Toronto’s hosting expected to cost C$275 million (US$200M+) ([06:10]).
- Mixed academic evidence:
- Some studies (e.g., Journal of Sports Economics) suggest little long-term economic gain from past World Cups.
- Others (like Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism) report significant short-term boosts ([06:10]).
- Local perspective: The city sees the event as an opportunity for “legacy elements” like jobs and event management experience ([06:53]).
Notable Quote:
“There will be thousands of people who will be trained and part of this event. That creates job opportunities down the road.”
– Sharon Bolenbach, [06:53]
4. Canadian Economic Forecasts
- Expert: Jeff Harris, Deloitte ([07:50]).
- Estimates for Canada:
- Around C$1.9 billion in spending ([08:05])
- C$3.8 billion in economic output, C$2 billion GDP gain, ~24,100 jobs, and C$700M in government revenue ([08:11]).
- “A very significant and notable impact.” – Jeff Harris ([08:53])
- Trickle-down effect: Each visitor’s spending amplifies through supply chains: restaurants, suppliers, landlords, transit, and entertainment ([08:57]).
5. US Host Challenges: Security, Visas, and Costs
- Expert: Tory Barnes, travel & transport specialist ([12:26]).
- Visa backlog: Long wait times, especially for non-waiver countries (e.g. Brazil, Argentina). Fast-tracking planned; new consular staff deployed ([13:07]).
- Cost barriers: Strong US dollar and potential new $250 visa integrity fee per visitor ([13:24]).
- Border reputation: The US working to improve its image as a welcoming host; Brand USA campaign in action ([14:52]).
- “The President has said himself…he wants the World cup to be the best games that…have ever been held.” – Tory Barnes ([15:25])
6. Climate and Risk Management
- Expert: Dr. Maddy Orr, sport ecologist ([15:48]).
- Weather risks: Anticipated extreme heat, storms, or wildfires during the tournament ([15:48]).
- Cost implications: Higher expenses for medical supplies, cooling tech; even higher if events get delayed or cancelled—potential for ticket refunds, staff pay, legal liability ([16:12], [16:40]).
- Safety above all: “Those costs do not come close to approaching the cost of paying out liability insurance or life insurance if a person were to die on site.” – Dr. Maddy Orr ([17:14])
7. Mexico’s World Cup Plans
- Expert: Isabel Woodford, Guardian freelance journalist ([17:30]).
- Mexico City’s infrastructure challenge: Azteca Stadium is a 45-minute drive from city center; government investing in new train and bus routes ([18:00]).
- $7 billion USD injection projected; Mexico City investing $250 million in infrastructure ([18:46]).
- Skepticism about long-term benefits: Like other emerging market hosts, the macroeconomic impact is uncertain, though a short-term tourism and spending spike is certain ([19:02]).
Notable Quote:
“The evidence around World Cups and meg-events…is actually quite questionable…when it comes to seeing a country, particularly a poorer country, elevate as a result.”
– Isabel Woodford, [19:02]
Memorable Moments & Quotes:
- “It’s the biggest global sporting event in the world.” – Sharon Bolenbach ([01:34])
- “We started work on our mobility plan earlier than anything else.” – Sharon Bolenbach ([05:07])
- “A very significant and notable impact to the Canadian economy.” – Jeff Harris ([08:53])
- “The President has said…he wants the World Cup to be the best games that have ever been held.” – Tory Barnes ([15:25])
- “Those costs do not come close to… the cost of paying out life insurance if a person were to die on site.” – Dr. Maddy Orr ([17:14])
- “The evidence…is actually quite questionable… particularly for a poorer country.” – Isabel Woodford ([19:02])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Toronto stadium and Sharon Bolenbach interview: [01:34]–[07:37]
- Jeff Harris, Deloitte on economic impacts: [07:41]–[09:51]
- US visa/travel challenges with Tory Barnes: [12:26]–[15:41]
- Climate risk and costs with Dr. Maddy Orr: [15:48]–[17:25]
- Preparations and promise in Mexico with Isabel Woodford: [17:30]–[19:57]
Tone and Style
True to the BBC World Service, the episode maintains an authoritative yet approachable tone, blending factual reporting with a genuine curiosity about local impacts and global stakes, and peppered with thoughtful insights and moments of levity from guests.
Summary
This episode of Business Daily paints a nuanced picture of the complexities behind hosting a modern World Cup—from billion-dollar investments and ambitious infrastructure projects to navigating border politics, climate risks, and the delicate balance of real legacy versus fleeting economic gains. As experts and city planners prepare to welcome the world, listeners get a candid look at the hopes, hurdles, and hard numbers shaping football’s biggest stage in 2026.