The latest analysis from Enness Global has revealed that property values across the cities selected to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup have increased by an average of 44% since the tournament was awarded in 2018, highlighting the long-term investment appeal of globally significant destinations.
Enness Global analysed house price growth across the 16 cities selected to host matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, comparing property values at the time the joint United States, Canada and Mexico bid was awarded in June 2018 with the latest available market data.
The analysis shows that house prices across the host cities have increased by an average of 44% since the tournament was awarded, with every location analysed recording positive growth over the period.
Mexico has seen the strongest performance amongst all host nations. Guadalajara tops the table, where property values have increased by 111.6% since the World Cup was awarded, whilst Monterrey has seen growth of 99.7%. Mexico City also ranks amongst the strongest performers, with house prices climbing by 60.7%.
Within the United States, Miami has recorded the highest rate of growth, with house prices increasing by 71.3% since June 2018. Kansas City follows at 66.2%, whilst Dallas (+44.6%), Philadelphia (+43.8%), Houston (+43.4%) and Los Angeles (+42.6%) have all seen values increase substantially.
Elsewhere, Atlanta has recorded growth of 31%, whilst Toronto has seen house prices rise by 23.6%. New York and New Jersey have recorded growth of 18.8%, whilst Seattle has seen values increase by 14.8%.
The more modest rates of growth have been found in Vancouver (+8.6%) and San Francisco (+2.9%), although both markets already commanded significantly higher price points than many of their fellow host cities at the time the tournament was awarded.
Whilst the World Cup itself is not solely responsible for this growth, Enness Global notes that major international events often coincide with significant infrastructure investment, urban regeneration, increased global visibility and greater levels of inward investment, all of which can help support long-term property market performance.
For investors, the findings highlight the value of identifying globally significant locations before major events arrive, rather than focusing solely on the short-term impact generated during the tournament itself.
Islay Robinson, CEO of Enness Global, commented:“There’s a tendency to view major sporting events through the lens of what happens during the tournament itself, but from a property perspective, the real story often starts years earlier.
The cities selected to host events on the scale of a World Cup benefit from increased international exposure, infrastructure spending and long-term investment that can help strengthen the appeal of the local market well before the first match kicks off.
Of course, the World Cup isn’t the sole driver of house price growth and many of these cities have benefited from wider economic and demographic trends over the last eight years. However, major global events can act as a catalyst that accelerates investment and reinforces a city’s position on the international stage.
For high-net-worth investors, this is often where the opportunity lies. The greatest gains are rarely made once the spotlight arrives, they’re made by identifying cities with strong long-term fundamentals before global attention turns their way.”
