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.
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.
