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LOS ANGELES () — The World Cup quarterfinal match between Spain and Belgium brought intense energy to SoFi Stadium on Friday — and an economic boost to Los Angeles County.
The World Cup quarterfinal match between Belgium and Spain is set to bring intense energy to SoFi Stadium on Friday.
It was the last match played in L.A. for this World Cup and saw Spain come on top 2-1. They will now face France in the semifinals.
The match kicked off at 12 p.m. and it was a tight one. Spain scored in the 30th minute and had control of the game, but Belgium came right back 11 minutes later to even the score. Just before stoppage time, Spain regained the lead and never looked back.
This is a huge curse-breaking win for Spain — advancing to the semifinals for the first time in the World Cup since 2010.
More than 70,000 fans were in attendance to cheer on their team. Those who weren’t lucky enough to sit in the stands head to local bars and restaurants to watch the key matchup.
According to FIFA World Cup 2026 projections, the county could see an estimated $892 million of total economic impact. Local businesses tell Eyewitness News they are feeling that boost.
Before the World Cup started, many economists and business owners were expecting a boom here in L.A. But did those expectations live up to what people were hoping for? Sid Garcia has a look at the numbers.
“It’s going to be really exciting to see people… We really do depend on special events. Since the World Cup taking place right here, we really are glad to have a little bit more customers, you know. Get to know people from around the world,” said Steven Ortiz, who works at nearby Martino’s Liquor.
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