When the World Cup kicks off this week, Scotland will walk out at a final for the first time since 1998 — 28 years of hurt finally over and sealed by that unforgettable night against Denmark. I’ll be there with the Tartan Army, and I genuinely can’t wait.

But beyond the romance of the cup, there’s a serious story here. Football isn’t just our national game; it’s a genuine economic force.

The numbers are huge and growing every year. UK sport contributes close to £100bn to economic output and supports 1.25 million jobs — almost 4% of the workforce. With every £1 invested, a further 55p is generated across the wider economy.

The English Premier League alone adds £9.8bn GVA and £4.4bn in tax. At the same time, research commissioned by Barclays has found that matchdays drive £2.3bn of local spending each season in pubs, cafés and shops around every ground.

FIFA say this summer’s tournament could add more than $40bn to global GDP. And with Scotland finally back, that fan expenditure should now flow north too — boosting a Scottish economy that has watched the English game reap these rewards many more times since 1998.

Here’s something I feel strongly about, though: for all its economic firepower, football must stay accessible to all. Its value isn’t measured only in GVA — it is measured in culture, health, mental well-being, community cohesion, and the sense of belonging it brings to men, women, and children of every colour, creed and capacity.

Unfortunately, negative headlines have already surrounded the tournament, with FIFA, airlines, hotels and transport operators all accused of profiteering. Many fans have been put off by the economics and politics surrounding it.

It’s imperative, however, that fans are never priced out of attending or playing the game themselves. Get that balance wrong, and we lose the very thing that makes football worth investing in.

That’s why the work of Iceni’s sport sector matters. From major stadia to local clubhouses and high-street gyms, we help clients and local authorities plan, justify and deliver sports facilities that turn this passion into investment, jobs and healthier communities.

We have also seen sports stadiums become anchors for wider regeneration — not just 90 minutes of entertainment – as in Manchester, Wembley, Liverpool and East London.

So as the world tunes in, remember the beautiful game does far more than lift the spirits — it builds high streets, creates jobs and brings places to life.

I’ll be a proud member of the Tartan Army when Scotland play Haiti and Morocco, but whatever happens on the pitch, the case for investing in sport has rarely looked stronger.

At Iceni, we combine a love for sport, planning expertise, and genuine economic insight. Whether you’re shaping a new stadium, a leisure scheme or a wider regeneration project, our Sports and Economics teams can help you build the evidence, win consent and deliver lasting value.

If you would like to discuss any emerging opportunities or ideas, contact Paul McColgan or Maisie Curry.