Amid sizzling temperatures and nervy moments on the pitch, more than 1 billion pints of beer will be guzzled during the World Cup.
That’s according to an analysis by investment banking firm Jefferies about how the World Cup will benefit beer industries in host nations Canada, Mexico and the United States, along with the rest of the world.
The boost in beer drinking will help settle an industry that’s gone through some volatility in recent years, Jefferies said.
“After five successive years of volatility, beer should be better in 2026,” the firm said. “Over and above an estimated extra 1 [billion] pints that will be enjoyed during [the World Cup], big markets such as USA, Mexico, Brazil and China should see improvement.”
Match timing plays an important role in the tournament’s drinking habits – some 85 percent of the World Cup’s matches will take place during prime beer-drinking hours, Jefferies said.
Soccer fans looking for a sudsy sip at the tournament’s 16 venues can choose between three beers and one seltzer: Michelob Ultra, Michelob Ultra Zero, Stella Artois and NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, according to beer manufacturer Anheuser-Busch.
However, the billion beers expected to flow their way through thirsty throats during the 31-day World Cup don’t come close to what’s consumed on Super Bowl Sunday.
Revelers on American football’s holy day typically drink the equivalent of 352 million gallons of beer, roughly 2.8 billion pints, according to business services firm Fintech.
The World Cup’s financial influence goes beyond just the beer industry. The United States will see an additional $30.5 billion in economic output and generate $3.4 billion in tax revenue, according to a FIFA study. The social benefits the tournament generates are estimated to be worth $8.2 billion.
Six American industries will add $1 billion to their coffers during the World Cup:
- Accommodation and food: $2.4 billion
- Real estate: $2 billion
- Wholesale and retail: $1.5 billion
- Technical activities: $1.3 billion
- Financial and insurance: $1.1 billion
- Public administration and defense: $1.1 billion
Some 10 million international visitors will play a part in the U.S’s economic output, according to the Department of State.
“The influx of visitors will likely generate billions of dollars in economic activity, benefitting the hospitality, transportation and real estate sectors,” the FIFA study said. “Host city hotels anticipate record occupancy, and local businesses will benefit from increased visitor traffic.”
