Artificial Intelligence for Revenue Forecasting, Risk Management, and Financial & Business Planning in International Sports Tourism: The FIFA World Cup USA 2026 Case

Abstract

The upcoming FIFA World Cup USA 2026 represents one of the largest international sports tourism events in history, generating complex financial flows, multidimensional risks, and unprecedented planning challenges for host nations, cities, and private stakeholders. This study examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing revenue forecasting, risk management, and financial and business planning within the context of international sports tourism, using the FIFA World Cup USA 2026 as a case study. Drawing on predictive analytics, machine learning models, and big data integration, the paper demonstrates how AI-driven systems can improve the accuracy of demand forecasting, optimize pricing and taxation strategies, and support dynamic budget allocation across public and private sectors. The study further explores AI applications in risk identification and mitigation, including economic volatility, infrastructure cost overruns, cybersecurity threats, crowd management risks, and uncertainty in tourism inflows. By integrating real-time data from ticketing platforms, hospitality services, transportation systems, and macroeconomic indicators, AI enables scenario-based financial planning and evidence-based decision-making. The findings highlight that AI-supported financial frameworks not only enhance fiscal sustainability and investor confidence but also contribute to resilient and inclusive economic outcomes for host regions. This research provides practical insights for policymakers, financial planners, tourism authorities, and sport’s governing bodies seeking to leverage AI for strategic planning and long-term value creation in mega sporting events.