New Visa insights reveal the 2026 FIFA World Cup is accelerating cross-border spending, travel, and consumer activity, creating a fast-moving “flash economy” across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
As the final whistle blew for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, millions of fans embarked on their journeys home with unforgettable memories, while simultaneously driving a range of economic activity across multiple countries. Every tap of the payment had a lasting impact, with spending during the tournament significantly boosting businesses and local economies in host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
According to the latest data from Visa, this year’s event has driven significant growth in cross-border spending, international travel, and digital commerce in the host cities. The research shows that major global sporting events can foster a “flash economy,” which Visa defines as a temporary, highly concentrated period of business activity that occurs during major cultural, entertainment, and sporting events.
Data shows that fans traveling from all over the world to support their teams have driven a surge in Visa cardholder spending on dining, transportation, entertainment, retail, accommodation, and other sectors. From iconic host cities to emerging fan destinations, this event has generated broad and lasting economic benefits, extending far beyond the stadiums themselves.
A feast of “flash mob economy”
Visa’s data demonstrates the scale, scope, and pace of economic activity during the event [1] :
- During the event, Visa’s cross-border transaction volume in the host cities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ increased by nearly 20% compared to the same period last year .
- Fans from Colombia, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Brazil spent the most on cross-border spending in the host cities.
- Santa Clara/San Jose, Boston, and Miami saw the largest increases in offline spending by international and domestic cardholders.
- Consumers spent the most on transportation and entertainment , highlighting the broad economic benefits of sports tourism.
- Touch ‘n Pay transaction volume grew by nearly 12% , reflecting fans’ preference for a fast, secure, and seamless payment experience while traveling.
- Matches such as Ecuador vs. Curaçao in Kansas City, Colombia vs. Ghana in Colombia, and Croatia vs. Ghana in Philadelphia saw the highest year-on-year increases, generating significant spending peaks before, during, and after the matches.
“This is one of the most impactful FIFA World Cup™ events we’ve ever seen, both on and off the field,” said Frank Cooper III, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa. “The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ demonstrates the profound economic value that global events can create for businesses, cities, and communities. Over several precious days, entire cities are revitalized by new tourists, new spending, and new business opportunities for local businesses. Through Visa’s network, we are able to witness these economic emergences, observe their shifts between cities, and connect millions of fans with the businesses and communities that host the world’s largest sporting event.”
The influence of the “flash mob economy” extends far beyond stadiums.
Although the games were played in stadiums, the economic benefits spread throughout the local communities. As fans gathered to watch the games and explore the host city, there was a significant increase in foot traffic at restaurants, bars, retail areas, hotels, transportation systems, and entertainment venues. Several cities performed particularly well in certain categories [1] :
- Boston saw the highest increase in restaurant business compared to the same period last year, as fans cheered for their national teams at local bars and restaurants .
- As fans from around the world flock to stadiums, Guadalajara ‘s transportation spending has seen record growth.
- Atlanta saw strong entertainment activity related to fan celebrations and cultural events, while New York City experienced a surge in retail spending.
These trends demonstrate how the “pop-up economy” distributes opportunities across the entire event hosting market. Beneficiaries include not only businesses directly related to the event, but also merchants catering to the daily needs of tourists, from community restaurants and independent retailers to hotels, transportation providers, and global brands.
The highlight of the event that ignited the market
Some of the most memorable moments of the tournament not only attracted attention but also sparked a wave of economic activity worldwide. Norway’s unexpected advancement to the quarterfinals led to a significant increase in consumer spending and transaction activity in the country and around the world, fueled by enthusiastic support from fans. Visa transactions in Norway nearly doubled during the tournament. As Norway progressed through the quarterfinals, the range of countries experiencing increased transaction activity expanded with each subsequent match; ultimately, more than 60 countries worldwide saw an increase in spending when Norway played. This demonstrates how fan enthusiasm and engagement can fuel a “flash economy.” [2]
Such moments demonstrate that fan attention can translate into immediate changes in economic activity. A major match, an unexpected result, or a deep tournament progression can quickly alter travel patterns, increase demand, and launch a new flash economy” at the next destination.
From the growth of tourism and local businesses to the widespread adoption of digital payments, this event proved that shared moments of passion can drive business on an unprecedented scale. As fans journey home, Visa’s data reveals a lasting legacy: the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is more than just a global event; it’s a series of interconnected “flash economy” events, each created by the movement, passion, and spending of fans. Together, they create economic opportunities for the host community and demonstrate the role of seamless digital payments in helping businesses meet global demands quickly and at scale.
About Visa
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