Financial winners and losers from the World Cup

The 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico have been welcoming fans and tourists that boost hospitality, hotel and local businesses.

But while Scots drank Boston dry And won the heart of the city and the people, experts say that the long-term economic benefits are minimal.

FIFA estimates that $41 billion will be added to the global economy, of which $17 billion will boost the US economy alone and create 185,000 jobs, mainly in hospitality and accommodation.

But Alexander Boudier, a management fellow at the University of Oxford and chief executive of project management company Oxford Global Projects, says the long-term economic benefits of hosting such a major sporting event are unlikely to materialise.

He said host cities will see a big drop in visitors as many want to avoid the chaos of the competition.

And while there may be a big increase in hiring, they argue, it’s typically only for low-wage jobs in hospitality. “It creates jobs, not wealth,” he says.

Official data showed hiring at US pubs, bars and restaurants rose ahead of the race in May, but The boom was short-lived.

The only “worthwhile” economic benefits, Budzier argued, are redevelopment projects such as those built in London’s Stratford following the 2012 Olympics.

With the existing stadia, hotels, training centers and travel infrastructure, much of this World Cup will have “no economic benefit from development”.