What to know
- New data from VisaNet Canada shows FIFA World Cup 2026 matches drove increased spending in Toronto and Vancouver, highlighting the economic impact of major sporting events.
- Toronto saw the biggest boost, with card spending rising 24.6 per cent above average during the Germany versus Côte d’Ivoire match on June 20 compared to the same day in 2025.
- Vancouver experienced a smaller increase, with spending up 12.7 per cent during the Australia versus Türkiye match and 4.9 per cent during Canada’s game against Qatar.
- Visa Canada said the tournament created economic opportunities by bringing visitors to host cities and encouraging spending at local businesses through digital payments.
Major sporting events may be the ticket to bursts in the economy, as new data shows significant spikes in purchasing in Toronto and Vancouver during FIFA games in those host cities.
Data from a new study by VisaNet Canada shows matchday spending using cards as payment increased for both Canadian host cities during FIFA matches.
The credit card company used card spending methods around host cities and stadiums to determine spending increases during match days, looking at the comparison window of June 11 to July 17, 2026, versus the same days in 2025.
For Toronto, the most spending was seen during the Germany versus Côte d’Ivoire game, which went down June 20 at Toronto Stadium. The report shows spending in the area during that game rose around 24.6 per cent above average, compared to June 20, 2025.
As for Vancouver, the increase in card payments was about half of Toronto’s highest spending day. During the Australia versus Türkiye match in Vancouver, card purchases were up by just 12.7 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Canada’s match against Qatar at Vancouver’s BC Place also had people in the city spending more, with a rise seen in card purchases in the west coast city by 4.9 per cent on June 18.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 showed how the power of sport brings people together and creates real economic opportunity for Canadian communities,” said President and Country Manager of Visa Canada, Michiel Wielhouwer.
“Fans supporting local businesses, visitors discovering our host cities, and digital payments [help] commerce move quickly, securely and seamlessly during one of the world’s biggest sporting moments.”
