FIFA World Cup boosts café spending – BeanScene

The Socceroos may have been knocked out in the early stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026, yet insights from ANZ reveal hospitality businesses at home still benefited from an uplift in spending during the international soccer tournament.

Analysis from the midpoint of the tournament found ANZ customers had spent more than $7 billion during this World Cup period so far. Strong spending uplifts were recorded across key categories, with takeaway food up 6.75 per cent, cafés and restaurants up 5.5 per cent, and bars and hotels up 5.2 per cent.

“Whether Australians are gathering with friends at home, heading to their local pub to watch a match, or showing support through purchasing sporting merchandise, we’re seeing spending patterns that seem to reflect the excitement and social connection major sporting events create,” says ANZ Managing Director, Data & Analytics, Joanna Gurry.

With these trends following the same trajectory as those observed during the FIFA World Cup 2022, ANZ predicted customer spending over the entire tournament could see increases of 8.2 per cent year-on-year, amounting to more than $11 billion.

Heath Agland, Manager of The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill at Fountain Gate, says fans flocked to the pub to watch games with family and friends – despite the time difference.

“The FIFA World Cup has created a real buzz at our venue, delivering a strong uplift in trade as fans come together to support teams from across the globe. We were completely booked out for the Socceroos’ last match at 4am, which speaks volumes about the passion Australians have for their team,” he says.

“Major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup provide a valuable boost for local venues, bringing communities together and creating memorable experiences. We look forward to welcoming even more fans through our doors as the tournament progresses.”