Reports link FIFA World Cup 2026 to substantial economic impact through lost productivity in the United States. According to analyses cited by NDTV, the tournament is associated with about $11.7 billion in productivity losses for the US, rather than a direct cost paid by consumers or employers. One report attributes the figure to reduced work attendance, saying office attendance falls by around 26% after the US team is eliminated from the competition. The same coverage also describes related workforce disruptions, including increases in sick leave around World Cup-related periods. A broader global estimate is also presented: the tournament may have contributed to roughly $17 billion in lost productivity worldwide. The reporting frames these numbers as indirect effects on working time and attendance that follow tournament outcomes, rather than as expenses connected to tournament operations. The reported amounts come from new analyses, which assess changes in productivity and workplace behavior during and immediately after the event.