business
World Cup spending surge surprises economists, boosts local economies across U.S. host cities
By Peter Zampa at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 18, 2026
· 2 min read
NEW YORK CITY (Gray DC) - The FIFA World Cup has delivered an economic boost to businesses across the United States. Data from the Bank of America Institute suggests each of the 11 host cities have seen increased spending during the tournament.Joe Wadford, an economist with Bank of America Instit...
Key takeaway Joe Wadford, an economist with Bank of America Institute, said last month credit and debit card spending was up 6.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville businesses can take note of the economic boost experienced by the 11 US host cities during the FIFA World Cup. The 6.3% year-over-year spending increase is a significant surprise, and local retailers and restaurants may see similar benefits from large events. Although Nashville is not a host city, the city's vibrant music and cultural scene makes it an attractive destination for tourists and locals alike. As the city continues to grow and develop, it's likely that Nashville will host more major events in the future, potentially drawing in international visitors and boosting local economies. The success of the World Cup in other cities suggests that Nashville's businesses could benefit from increased tourism and consumer spending, making it worth exploring ways to attract and host large-scale events in the city. This could be an opportunity for local leaders to consider investing in infrastructure and tourism initiatives to capitalize on the economic benefits of major events.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NEW YORK CITY (Gray DC) - The FIFA World Cup has delivered an economic boost to businesses across the United States. Data from the Bank of America Institute suggests each of the 11 host cities have seen increased spending during the tournament.Joe Wadford, an economist with Bank of America Instit...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Peter Zampa at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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