This study attempts to quantify whether the economic impact of the World Cup is significant on the host country. The study uses panel data analysis to test the hypotheses that the World Cup has no effect on GDP growth rates and unemployment. The data represents 15 countries over a 51 year time span that includes 11 World Cup Games. The results indicate that population growth has a significant positive effect on GDP growth rates and a negative effect on unemployment for nations that host the World Cup. The findings contribute to the World Cup literature using panel data analysis and provide decision makers a multidimensional understanding of the perceived economic benefits of hosting a World Cup.
Colorado College Honor Code upheld.
Includes bibliographical references.
Colorado College Honor Code upheld.
