Bank of America Institute reported that the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 11 significantly boosted consumer spending across the U.S., marking the strongest growth in over four years. According to internal card data, consumer spending using credit and debit cards rose 6.3% year-over-year in June, with total card spending up 5.6% when excluding gasoline purchases [1]. The surge was largely attributed to discretionary spending, particularly in host cities where World Cup games were played.
The analysis found that brick-and-mortar spending in World Cup host cities outpaced other regions, with restaurants in these cities seeing a two percentage point increase in consumer spending, while spending remained flat in non-host cities during the same period [1]. Retailers in host cities also experienced gains after the tournament began, whereas non-restaurant retailers elsewhere saw slower growth [1].
Joe Wadford, economist at the Bank of America Institute, highlighted that the World Cup created a tailwind for the economy, benefiting local retailers and restaurants. He emphasized that much of the World Cup-generated spending stayed within the communities hosting the games [1]. The data also revealed that lower-income households increased their spending at local brick-and-mortar businesses in host cities, while higher-income households eased their spending slightly. All income groups, however, boosted their spending at brick-and-mortar restaurants after the World Cup began compared to the pre-tournament period [1].
Some of the gains in consumer spending may be attributed to online promotions near the end of June, which occurred in July last year, thus enhancing the year-over-year comparison [1].
CONCLUSION
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has driven a notable increase in U.S. consumer spending, especially in host cities and among lower-income households. Local retailers and restaurants have been primary beneficiaries, with the event providing a positive economic impact and strengthening community-level spending. The data suggests sustained momentum in discretionary spending as a result of the tournament.