The World Cup Was Supposed to Be a Disaster. It's Printing Money Instead

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was expected to be a logistical disaster, but early spending data suggests it is generating stronger-than-feared economic activity. Jorge Mas, managing owner and CEO of Inter Miami CF, said on Fox Business’s The Bottom Line that consumer spending across 16 U.S. host cities is up 6.3% versus a year ago, while out-of-town visitor spending is up nearly 17%. He pointed to Bank of America card data and noted the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 44.8 in May 2026, a 12-month low, yet recreation and food services spending rose. Mas cited 8 million visas for the tournament, including an estimated 80% Colombia fans at Hard Rock Stadium during Colombia vs. Portugal. With the event overlapping the U.S. 250th anniversary, host cities are stacking tourism demand.