The 2026 FIFA World Cup has significantly impacted the U.S. economy, injecting $20 billion as host cities experienced a spending boom, according to Bank of America. This financial uplift occurred despite concerns regarding foreign tourism due to factors like President Trump’s immigration policies and the U.S. war with Iran.

Brian Moynihan, CEO of tournament sponsors Bank of America, highlighted that nearly half of the $40 billion in economic activity from the World Cup took place in the United States. He noted, “It's having this on-the-ground economic impact,” emphasizing that spending was directed towards local businesses such as bars and restaurants.

The Bank of America’s July Consumer Checkpoint report indicated a 6.3 percent year-on-year increase in credit and debit card spending nationwide, marking the strongest growth in four years. Host cities, particularly, saw remarkable increases:

• In restaurants, spending doubled from 3 percent before the tournament to 6 percent during it.
• Philadelphia experienced a 50 percent rise in hotel revenue on match days.
• Arlington, Texas recorded a record hotel revenue of $31 million last month.

However, not all host cities benefited equally. Major tourist destinations like New York and Los Angeles fell short of expectations, with New York's hotel revenue projected to rise by only $100 million instead of the anticipated $300 million.

Despite initial concerns about travel and tourism, anecdotal evidence from businesses, like Shea Roggio’s sports bar in Philadelphia, pointed to a successful tournament close, with significant earnings from match screenings. Overall, while the World Cup brought substantial economic benefits, the results varied widely among the host cities.