• Loading stock data...
Sunday, February 22, 2026

Qatar World Cup Fans Spent Almost 40% More Than in 2018

  • Fans from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and the U.K. spent the most money.
  • Its iconic final generated the most spending of any game.
French fans cheering in the stands at the World Cup
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

The unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup was a hit among viewers across the world — and the cash spent at its host stadiums suggests that it resonated with fans as well. 

Argentina’s win over France after a 3-3 draw that went to penalty kicks was the end to a month-long tournament that saw fans spend more cash than the last edition of the World Cup.

  • Fans spent 39% more on in-stadium purchases than the 2018 World Cup in Russia, according to data from Visa — the tournament’s official payment provider.
  • Only Visa-branded cards were accepted for in-stadium purchases during the tournament across its eight stadiums in Qatar.
  • Fans from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and the U.K. spent the most money at the World Cup.
  • The iconic final generated the most spending of any game. 

FIFA stands to see more spending at the 2026 World Cup as it will expand from 32 teams to 48. 

The spending has already resulted in favorable results for soccer’s governing body. FIFA reported $7.5 billion in revenue for the 2019-22 commercial cycle — $1 billion more than it budgeted. The governing body projects to earn $11 billion for the 2023-26 commercial cycle.

Large replica of World Cup trophy inside of stadium in Qatar

FIFA Expects $11B Over Next Four-Year Cycle

FIFA reported $7.5 billion in revenue for the 2019-22 cycle.
December 16, 2022

Fans at Home Spending, Too

The World Cup final generated 7.9 million geolocation transactions — making it the second most wagered-on on sports final in 2022 behind only Super Bowl LVI, according to GeoComply.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fox Sports broadcast camera before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.

Fox Would Consider ‘Rebalancing’ Sports Portfolio to Keep NFL

Lachlan Murdoch points to potential moves to keep NFL rights.

Cristiano Ronaldo Skips Game to Express Displeasure With Saudi PIF

He’s never won a Saudi title since joining in late 2022.

World Cup Going Primetime: Fox to Air Record 40 Matches at Night

More matches than ever will be shown in primetime and on broadcast TV.
Oct 5, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; US Women's National Soccer Team Coach Jill Ellis speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of her final match as head coach of the US Women's National Soccer Team Coach at Soldier Field.

FIFA’s Jill Ellis Defends Potential Qatar Women’s Club World Cup: U.S. Is..

Qatar is reportedly interested in bidding for the January 2028 tournament.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
exclusive

Mike Repole and Tom Brady’s NoBull Gets $1B Valuation

NoBull raised $50 million, signed Livvy Dunne, and plans a nutrition division.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Sponsored

20 Years of Coastal Cool: How Johnnie-O Became a Force in Golf,..

A style movement powering one of the fastest-growing brands in sports and lifestyle.
Sponsored

From MLS to AUSL: Jon Patricof on Building Sports Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
AA Mint Cards
May 18, 2025

Young Collectors Are on a High-Stakes Chase for Ultra-Rare Trading Cards

“They just want that excitement of the chase,” says a 23-year-old collector.
March 11, 2025

Dick’s Faces Investor Concerns Over Tariffs Despite Record Quarter

The prominent retailer offers an uncertain outlook due to economic challenges.
Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Super Bowl LIX signage at the Hyatt Hotel.
February 4, 2025

New Orleans Home Rentals Skyrocket Around Super Bowl

Short-term rental revenue has already reached $10.5 million.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.