Pubs report £150m in extra World Cup sales from expanded tournament
8 reported
According to a single-source report from The Guardian, pubs in the UK saw an estimated £150 million in additional sales and poured 30 million extra pints during the 2026 World Cup, driven by late opening hours and England’s progress to the semi-final of an expanded tournament. The British Beer & Pubs Association (BBPA) stated that the uplift was the best football-related boost in recent years, surpassing previous competitions including England’s run to the final of Euro 2024. Data from payment systems provider Epos Now showed that England’s game against Mexico in the early hours delivered the standout day, with sales nearly doubling compared to the same period pre-tournament. Another payments provider, Dojo, reported overall tournament sales 16% higher than normal, with the World Cup boost 9% better than Euro 2024. However, the gains were not uniform, as busy match days were often followed by quieter periods, and restaurants struggled in hot weather. The report also noted that a £100 million aid package for pubs was announced by Andy Burnham, including a 20% cut in business rates, though the policy was criticized for a lack of ambition.
What’s reported
Pubs poured 30 million extra pints during the tournament compared to a normal trading period.
The World Cup generated £150 million in added sales, according to the British Beer & Pubs Association (BBPA).
England’s game against Mexico in the early hours saw sales nearly double compared to pre-tournament.
Three other games delivered a two-thirds increase in transactions, per Epos Now data.
Dojo reported overall tournament sales 16% higher than normal, with a 9% better boost than Euro 2024.
A £100 million aid package for pubs was announced by Andy Burnham, including a 20% cut in business rates.
One pub a day closed last year in England and Wales, according to the report.
Restaurant sales were down 0.7% year on year in June, per data from NIQ.
Key figures
Dawn Slater, runs the Garrick’s Head pub in Greater Manchester
Amy Williams, runs the George in Witham with her husband, Tom
Andy Burnham, announced a £100 million aid package for pubs
British Beer & Pubs Association (BBPA)
Epos Now, payment systems provider
Dojo, payments provider
Mitchells & Butlers, UK’s largest hospitality chain
NIQ, data analysis firm
Sources: The Guardian
