The 2026 FIFA World Cup has provided a substantial $20 billion economic uplift to the United States, according to Bank of America. This significant financial injection emerged despite earlier apprehensions that factors such as US immigration policies and geopolitical tensions could deter international visitors and diminish the anticipated economic advantages for the host nation. Bank of America, a key sponsor of the tournament, indicated that approximately half of the total $40 billion in economic activity generated by the World Cup was concentrated within the US.
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan highlighted the on-the-ground economic impact, noting that spending was directed towards 'bricks-and-mortar' businesses such as bars and restaurants, extending beyond just those attending stadium events. The bank's July Consumer Checkpoint report revealed a 6.3 per cent year-on-year increase in credit and debit card spending across the country. This represented the strongest growth recorded in four years, with researchers attributing a portion of this surge to the World Cup, particularly benefiting the hospitality sector.
An analysis of spending patterns over two distinct periods – May 20 to June 9, preceding the tournament, and June 10 to June 30 – illustrated a notable shift. In host cities, restaurant spending experienced a doubling, climbing from approximately 3 per cent in the initial period to 6 per cent in the latter. Moynihan specifically pointed to cities like Kansas City, observing a faster rate of spending growth compared to other urban centres.
However, the economic benefits were not evenly distributed among the 11 US host cities. While destinations such as Philadelphia and Kansas City emerged as significant beneficiaries, others did not experience the same level of boost. Philadelphia, for instance, saw hotel revenue increase by over 50 per cent on match days compared to the same period last year, with Arlington, Texas, reporting a record $31 million in hotel revenue last month. Conversely, major tourist hubs including New York and Los Angeles appeared to underperform against expectations.
The Hotel Association of New York had projected a $300 million increase in total hotel revenue for the city due to the World Cup, but the actual figure was much lower, closer to $100 million. This contrasts with earlier concerns, as Reuters reported on the tournament's opening day, June 11, that the anticipated boost to travel and tourism had yet to materialise, with flight bookings reportedly sluggish and high ticket prices potentially deterring fans. Despite these mixed results, businesses on the ground, such as a Philadelphia-based Korean fried chicken and sports bar co-owner, anecdotally supported Bank of America's more recent findings, reporting significant surges in business as the tournament concluded.