FIFA World Cup drove spending in Toronto, Vancouver

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Or sign-in if you have an account.The data gathered were from spending using Visa cards, including at stadiums, between June 11 to July 17, 2026 versus the same days in 2025. Photo by Jason Payne/PostmediaSpending rose nearly 25 per cent in Canada’s host cities during match days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to data from Visa Inc.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountToronto and Vancouver hosted 13 matches during this year’s World Cup run. Visa said its data reveals the tournament left a measurable economic impact on local businesses across the two host cities.In Toronto, spending during match days rose as much as 24.6 per cent, while spending in Vancouver was up 12.7 per cent, said the payment card services giant.“(This highlights) how major sporting events can create temporary and highly concentrated ‘pop-up economies’ driven by increased consumer spending and international visitors,” it said.SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE: FP West: Energy Insider brings you behind the oilpatch’s closed doors with exclusive insights from insiders every Wednesday morning.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of FP West: Energy Insider will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againVisa said its analysis of card-present spending during the tournament period found that Toronto saw the largest matchday spending lift when Germany faced Côte d’Ivoire on June 20. Spending was 24.6 per cent more than the average daily spending during that same window in 2025.It added that Vancouver experienced a notable spending increase when Australia faced Türkiye on June 13, with spending rising 12.7 per cent. Canada’s group-stage home game match against Qatar in Vancouver on June 18 drove a 4.9 per cent spending lift for the city.The data used were for spending using Visa cards, including at stadiums, between June 11 to July 17, 2026 versus the same days in 2025.“The FIFA World Cup 2026 showed how the power of sport brings people together and creates real economic opportunity for Canadian communities,” said Michiel Wielhouwer, Visa Canada’s president and country manager. “Canada’s host cities demonstrated how major events can create immediate opportunities for businesses of all sizes…”We apologize, but this video has failed to load.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.