The host country of the FIFA World Cup receives substantial economic benefits that have become recognized worldwide. This paper examines both immediate and sustained economic influences brought by the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar. Econometric models together with input-output analysis along with cost-benefit analysis allow the study to evaluate its effects on GDP growth as well as employment shifts with analysis of infrastructure investment sustainability. The FIFA World Cup generated significant short-term advantages, including increased tourism alongside new jobs and enhanced infrastructure during its occurrence however, the permanent economic benefits hinge on continued economic diversification schemes together with worker market transformations along with sustainable infrastructure preservation initiatives. These benefits face continuing obstacles such that maintaining them proves difficult, especially regarding environmental sustainability alongside social infrastructure and dependence on sports and tourism sectors. Future hosts of identical megaevents need to prioritize sustainable economic methods together with diverse development and project welfare to achieve maximum lasting economic results.
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