The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to provide a significant boost to the UK economy, with the Round of 16 projected to drive more than £220 million in food and drink sales.
According to the 2026 World Cup Spending Report by VoucherCodes.co.uk, consumers are expected to spend a total of £504.6 million during the knockout stage, including £383.9 million through retailers and £120.7 million in hospitality venues across the eight Round of 16 fixtures.
An estimated 18.7 million people are expected to watch the next phase of the tournament, with 95% of viewers (17.7 million) planning to tune in from home as teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
As a result, retail sales are forecast to outperform hospitality spending, with food and drink accounting for £221.4 million of total retail expenditure. Sales of electrical goods are expected to reach £59.9 million, while sportswear and merchandise are projected to generate £49.8 million and £22.3 million, respectively.
Hospitality businesses are also set to benefit, with spending in pubs, bars and restaurants expected to rise to £120.7 million, representing a 16% increase compared to the Round of 32. Consumers are forecast to spend £80.5 million on drinks and £40.2 million on food during the stage.
England’s Round of 16 clash against Mexico is expected to provide a particularly strong economic impact, generating an estimated £395 million boost to the economy. Due to the 1 a.m. kick-off time, approximately 14.3 million of the 17.8 million viewers are expected to watch from home, helping retailers capture the largest share of spending.
Retail sales linked to the England-Mexico match alone are projected to reach £310.6 million, while hospitality venues are expected to generate an additional £84.4 million as around 3.5 million supporters head to pubs and bars, taking advantage of extended licensing hours.
Moji Oshisanya, Chief Commercial Officer at VoucherCodes.co.uk, said:
“As the tournament reaches its peak, each knockout game brings higher stakes and increased consumer spending. Due to the 1 a.m. kick-off, hospitality venues looking to capitalise on this summer’s World Cup action should make the most of extended licensing laws, catering to fans seeking an atmosphere for these later matches.”
He added that with every England game potentially being the team’s last, brands still have an opportunity to drive purchases through limited-time promotions, merchandise offers and watch-party essentials aimed at fans eager to be part of the World Cup experience.