The recent FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, provided a significant tourism lift to the cities hosting matches, according to the Federal Reserve's Beige Book report. However, this benefit was somewhat limited by broader economic challenges affecting spending in other sectors. While major host cities saw increased hotel bookings and heightened activity in bars and restaurants during the tournament, overall consumer spending growth remained constrained due to factors such as rising oil prices.

In Boston, although hotel bookings initially fell short of expectations, a drop in room prices helped raise occupancy levels closer to forecasted numbers. The city's bars experienced strong beer sales linked to World Cup viewing, with some locations reportedly running out of beer driven by the influx of Scottish fans. Despite a rise in visitors from Canada relative to the previous summer, total tourism remained below historical averages, particularly impacting coastal Maine and northern Vermont.

New York City also saw a mixed economic impact from the tournament. Hotels experienced higher occupancy rates and elevated room pricing, while some restaurants and bars reported robust sales tied to match-watching events. However, the city suffered from fewer international tourists, especially Canadians, influenced by cross-border tensions and tariff policies. Additionally, mid-range attractions and retail outlets noted softness in sales despite increased foot traffic generated by the event.

According to the San Francisco Federal Reserve, cities hosting World Cup games welcomed high tourist volumes, but consumer spending by locals in sectors like dining, lodging, and entertainment pulled back overall. The Beige Book highlighted a general trend toward reduced discretionary spending and a search for lower-cost alternatives as households adjusted to higher energy costs. While the World Cup injected some temporary vitality into certain locales, economic conditions outside the tournament’s influence remained subdued, limiting broader spending growth.