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The World Cup Promised $3.8 Billion — Here's What Canada Actually Got

       Monday July 13, 2026 FIFA promised Canada a $3.8-billion economic windfall for hosting the 2026 World Cup. Two weeks into play in Toronto, the receipts tell a very different story — and there's a lesson in it for anyone thinking a "big event" boost is coming to their city, their rental property, or their business. The Billion-Dollar Bill Came First Before a single ball was kicked, Canadian taxpayers were already on the hook. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office, governments across the country will spend roughly $1.07 billion hosting the 2026 tournament. Toronto alone budgeted $380 million to host six matches at BMO Field. British Columbia's tab for Vancouver's seven matches at BC Place came in even higher, at about $578 million. Ottawa is chipping in $473 million of that total — including $220 million in direct grants to Toronto and B.C., plus another $145 million earmarked for security costs during the tournament. Net of federal help, Toronto and B...
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Fast-Food Giants Face Earnings Challenges Amid Middle East Boycotts

 


Fast-food giants are finding themselves in a sticky situation as boycotts in the Middle East take a toll on their earnings. Notable players like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Yum Brands (the parent company of 

In its fourth-quarter earnings report, McDonald’s reported a rare sales miss. Sales in its international licensed markets and corporate sector, including the Middle East, grew by a mere 0.7%, a stark contrast to the robust 16.5% growth seen the previous year. The culprit? The ongoing war in Gaza. The conflict has impacted several markets in the Middle East, leading to a material hit on McDonald’s earnings. The company’s president and CEO, Chris Kempczinski, acknowledged the challenges faced by markets both within and outside the region due to the war and associated misinformation. A viral photo of a McDonald’s franchise in Israel donating free meals to soldiers fueled calls for a boycott, further affecting sales in Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority markets like Indonesia and Malaysia.

Starbucks, too, is feeling the pinch. The coffee giant is forecasting slower growth for the rest of the year, a projection even lower than what analysts had predicted. The company’s earnings have been impacted by the same geopolitical tensions that have affected other fast-food chains. As anti-war activists around the world call for an end to the conflict, companies perceived to have supported Israel or suppressed pro-Palestinian speech on social media are facing scrutiny. Starbucks finds itself caught in the crossfire, with its financial performance reflecting the strain.

Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, also reported a hit to fourth-quarter sales. The Middle East boycotts have affected the company’s bottom line, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global events and corporate earnings. As the conflict in Gaza continues, businesses like Yum Brands are navigating the delicate balance between their operations and public sentiment.

Burgers aren’t supposed to be political, but recent events have blurred those lines. Fast-food chains, once seen as neutral spaces for quick meals, are now caught up in geopolitical tensions. As the war in Gaza persists, companies must grapple with the impact of their actions and statements. For McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Yum Brands, the Middle East boycotts serve as a stark reminder that even a Happy Meal can carry unintended consequences.


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