The 2026 World Cup is delivering a late but powerful economic boost to U.S. host cities as the tournament reaches its thrilling semifinals. With France facing Spain in Dallas and England taking on Argentina in Atlanta, the final stages of the competition are driving a surge in travel and spending.
This late surge is a welcome development for businesses that have been anticipating a soccer-fueled economic lift. The semifinals are attracting fans from around the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the host cities.
The Economic Impact of the World Cup Semifinals
Every U.S. host city has seen an economic lift from soccer fans, according to data from Bank of America Institute. In-person spending in these cities rose by 5% over last year from June 10 to July 5, with Kansas City leading the gains. Restaurants and bars have seen some of the strongest gains as consumers turned matches into social events.
The impact could be even higher, as the results capture only spending with BofA cards in U.S. households and do not include cash, checks, and spending by international tourists or on corporate cards. Kansas City also saw the biggest weekly hotel performance gain among host markets, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) up nearly 50%, according to data from industry analysis firm CoStar.
Hotel and Short-Term Rental Demand
Despite initial concerns about soft advance hotel bookings, the tournament has seen a significant increase in demand as it moved into the knockout stage. From June 28 to July 4, demand increased by 2.4% from last year, and RevPAR rose by 23%, despite the World Cup having 50% fewer matches than the previous week.
Demand for short-term rentals has also increased alongside higher-stakes matches, according to analytics company AirDNA. Braham Gallagher, AirDNA’s director of economic forecasting, noted that people waited until they knew who would be playing before booking their trips. This trend was particularly evident with Argentina fans, who responded with bookings in real time after their team’s victories.
The Battle for the Hottest Tickets
The 2026 World Cup semifinals feature four giants of international soccer: France, Spain, England, and Argentina. Each matchup boasts megastars such as Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane. However, one semifinal is proving to be much hotter than the other.
As of Sunday night, tickets to the England vs. Argentina semifinal in Atlanta are selling for around twice as much as tickets to the France vs. Spain match in Dallas. The get-in price for England-Argentina jumped to nearly $3,000 on resale sites soon after the matchup was set, while the get-in price for France-Spain has continued to fall over the past week.
The Appeal of England vs. Argentina
The England-Argentina match feels like a bigger occasion than just a World Cup semifinal. It is a once-in-a-generation meeting between two nations that share a rich sporting history and animosity. For Argentina fans, this match is particularly significant as it could be Lionel Messi’s last chance to play on soccer’s biggest stage.
Messi, who turned 39 during the tournament, has been a primary driver of ticket prices throughout the competition. His presence, combined with the historical rivalry between England and Argentina, has made this match a must-see event for fans worldwide.
The Clubs with the Most Players in the Semifinals
The semifinal lineup features a stacked collection of talent from some of the world’s elite club teams. From Champions League winners to global superstars, the stage is filled with players representing the best clubs in Europe and beyond.
Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs with the most players still competing for World Cup glory. These teams have seen their players shine on the international stage, contributing to the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament.
As the World Cup 2026 reaches its final stages, the economic impact and the thrill of the semifinals are creating a memorable experience for fans and businesses alike. The late surge in travel and spending is a testament to the global appeal and excitement of the tournament.
