International soccer matches mean $$ for cities

A recent Bank of America analysis found that the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup significantly boosted local spending in the areas where games were played.

Findings:

Consumer demand for live entertainment ─ especially sports ─ has surged since the pandemic, with attendance well above 2019 levels and spending up 25%.

This is good news for the areas that host sport stadiums. Bank of America credit and debit card data shows that this year's FIFA Club World Cup drove a 7% YoY rise in consumer spending in host zip codes, mainly on food and drink. Similarly, regular season Major League Baseball (MLB) games show a similar positive impact.

To understand the full economic impact we need to include factors such as capital costs, but the local spending boost is a good starting point ─ especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to deliver an even greater kick.