FIFA also controversially announced Saudi Arabia will host the tournament in 2034.

Portugal will share hosting responsibilities with Spain and Morocco as the richest tournament in sport returns to Europe for the first time since Germany hosted the 2006 competition.

To mark FIFA’s 100th anniversary, three games will also be hosted in South America during the 2030 World Cup.

It will be the first time Portugal has hosted the football World Cup with experts predicting the nation will have a major boost in investment as well as economically over the next five years.

Paul Stannard is Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways, an organisation that supports private wealth, investors, and entrepreneurs considering Portugal for investment or relocation.

He is also behind the Portugal Investment Owners Club, which will be deploying an alternative investment fund titled Portugal’s Future Fund in 2025, which expects to deploy over €100 million in investment in Portuguese industry sectors such as media, events, hotel and tourism, health and wellbeing, technology, and healthcare.

He said: “Portugal’s appeal has been increasing rapidly over recent years with international investors seeing its enormous potential, stable economy and potential for significant growth in key sectors through a blended approach of investment.

“The spotlight the World Cup will shine on the country will take that to the next level. We confidently predict investment levels will skyrocket over the coming years in the lead-up to the tournament.

“While it will be using existing stadia to host its games, the excitement and interest around the event will further build Portugal’s reputation economically with the recent Ernst & Young report highlighting that investor confidence in Portugal is at an all-time high.”

And it won’t just be the nation’s host cities which benefit.

The Algarve is set to benefit as a supporting hub, attracting international teams for training camps and fans to the region due to its amazing facilities and proximity. The Algarve has established and emerging high-end property hotspots that will inevitably spin out from the tournament.

Already a hugely popular international destination, with thriving expat communities, the Algarve’s excellent connectivity and modern infrastructure is expected to be in high demand when the action plays out at venues in Lisbon and Porto. Other areas close to Lisbon and Porto will also see similar economic impact and demand as has been seen with previous tournament hosts.

The financial benefits of hosting the World Cup, which attracted a global TV audience of some five billion people during the 2022 competition, are enormous.

The last hosts, Qatar, attracted some USD 29.8 billion in FDI (foreign direct investment) as a consequence.

When it hosted the 2022 tournament, Qatar recorded a 315.5% increase in international travel compared to the previous year.

In 2026, the United States will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico. Los Angeles County alone is projected to realise up to $594 million in total economic impact from hosting eight matches but does not have the same historic pull as a football nation. This includes $343 million in increased direct spending by out-of-town visitors during the tournament month alone.

The economic impact is estimated to be two-thirds greater than that of Super Bowl LVI held at SoFi Stadium, in LA, in 2022.

Adds Paul Stannard: “Our Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is an exclusive investment membership club creating new opportunities for discerning individuals and investors committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal while enjoying money-can't-buy experiences.

“The World Cup will drive significant productivity, create wealth and employment, as well as improve transport and deliver investment opportunities, which our Portugal’s Future Fund already aims to support over the coming years.”

Chris Marson, CEO of RTi Family Office, which supports affluent families investing in Portugal as well as other international jurisdictions, said: “This will raise Portugal’s already growing international reputation for relocation and investment, as well as the visitor economy. It will also encourage even more international events and summits, which will be hugely boosted by the publicity surrounding such a huge event as the World Cup.

“Lisbon was named in the top three worldwide destinations in 2024 for congresses and conventions by the International Congress and Convention Association.

“Portugal’s success and track record when it comes to hosting international events bodes well for their upcoming role as World Cup co-hosts.”

Portugal, which already boasts thriving hospitality and touristic development sectors, is driving a huge upsurge in demand for luxury developments.

Portugal’s status in world football has long been established – with the likes of global stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Eusebio and Luis Figo ranking among the all-time greats. In addition, Portugal were crowned winners of Euro 2016.

Cristiano Ronaldo, on confirmation of the World Cup coming to Portugal, said: “It is an extraordinary achievement by the Portuguese Football Federation and its president, Fernando Gomes, and from today onwards it is a responsibility of all Portuguese people. I'm sure that, together with Spain and Morocco, they will make this World Cup a unique opportunity to promote our country."

About Portugal Pathways

Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and aims to continue to do this through its Portugal Investment Owners Club and associated Portugal’s Future Fund. These organisations also provide expert guidance on luxury property, wealth management, business setup, tax optimisation, private healthcare, and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life, along with money-can’t-buy experiences and investments in Portugal.