World Cup Created “Pop-Up Economies” in Host Cities

The just-concluded FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament sparked a significant uptick in cross-border spending, international travel and digital commerce across host cities, new data released by Visa shows. The findings reflect how major global events can create “pop-up economies,” which Visa defines as temporary, highly concentrated periods of commercial activity that emerge around major cultural, entertainment and sporting events, the company said in a news release.

“This was one of the most impactful FIFA World Cup tournaments we’ve seen to date both on and off the pitch,” said Visa CMO Frank Cooper III. “FIFA World Cup 2026 demonstrated how global events can create far-reaching economic value for businesses, cities and communities. For a few precious days, entire cities came alive with new visitors, new spending and new opportunities for local businesses. Through Visa’s network, we could watch those economies emerge, move from city to city and connect millions of fans with the merchants and communities hosting the world’s biggest sporting event.”

Here are some specific findings from Visa’s data-tracking efforts over the course of the tournament, which involved nearly 7 million spectators watching 48 teams playing 104 matches over a 39-day period (June 11-July 19) in 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico:

• Cross-border Visa transactions in FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities increased nearly 20% year-over-year during the tournament period.
• Fans from Colombia, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Argentina and Brazil generated the highest levels of cross-border spend across host cities.
• Santa Clara/San Jose, Boston and Miami recorded the largest increases in in-person spending from international and domestic cardholders.
• Consumers spent most heavily on transportation and entertainment, underscoring the broad economic benefit generated by tournament tourism.
• Tap-to-pay transactions rose nearly 12%, reflecting fans’ preference for fast, secure and seamless payment experiences while traveling.

Visa also said several cities achieved standout performance in specific categories, including:

• Boston led growth in year-over-year dining transactions as fans celebrated their nations in local bars and restaurants.
• Guadalajara recorded the highest transportation spending growth as fans from around the world traveled to the stadium.
• Atlanta saw strong entertainment activity tied to fan celebrations and cultural events
• New York experienced a surge in retail spending.

These trends demonstrate how a pop-up economy distributes opportunity across an entire host market, Visa said. The benefits reach businesses directly tied to the tournament and merchants serving everyday visitor needs, from neighborhood restaurants and independent retailers to hotels, transit providers and global brands.