business
World Cup spending surge surprises economists, boosts local economies across U.S. host cities
By Peter Zampa at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
The economic boost from the FIFA World Cup is a welcome development for Laredo businesses, particularly those in the retail and restaurant sectors. As one of the cities in the United States, although not a host city, Laredo can still capitalize on the increased spending trend. Local brick-and-mortar retailers and restaurants may see a surge in sales as fans and families gather to watch the games, creating an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services. The fact that US consumers are willing to travel for events like the World Cup suggests that Laredo's own tourism industry could benefit from similar large-scale events in the future. With the city's unique cultural attractions and entertainment options, Laredo is well-positioned to attract visitors and boost local economic activity. As the full economic impact of the tournament becomes clearer, Laredo business owners and city leaders will be watching closely to see how they can build on this momentum.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Peter Zampa at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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