New research reveals that the World Cup could deliver a £7.6 billion boost to the UK economy. This would serve as a long-awaited life raft for pubs, restaurants, and hospitality businesses at a time when growth has been limited, and the cost of living has stopped the public from splashing out on social life and leisure.   According to research by money.co.uk, the UK economy will benefit from the £7.6 billion uplift through the period spanning May to July.. The boost will be the result of football fans gathering in pubs, travelling across the country to watch games and spending more on food and drink. Food and beverage companies are expected to enjoy a £4.2 billion revenue boost, serving up a 9.3 per cent increase compared to a typical summer in British hospitality.   Other industry winners include accommodation providers which are expected to see a spending rise of 25.2 per cent, generating an additional £3.5 billion in revenue. Rail and transport operators could benefit from a further £1.8 billion uplift from fans travelling to screenings, pubs and social events.  This surge is welcome after official figures revealed that the UK economy contracted 0.1 per cent in April, adding further economic strain to households and businesses in the wake ofrising energy costs linked to conflict in the Middle East.   The British Beer and Pub Association estimates that if England reaches the final, an additional 55 million pints could be sold during the tournament – an equivalent of around 1,240 extra pints for every pub in the country. Despite sobriety becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice amongst Gen Z, almost a third of them say they expect to watch matches in pubs – compared to less than a third of the population overall.  

"Frequent late-night matches will contribute to workplace absences due to tiredness and hangovers."

However, economists have warned that the tournament could also trigger a sharp downturn in workplace productivity. Employers beware as millions of workers are projected to call in sick, work from home, or take official time off after late-night matches. With matches taking place across the US and Canada, many kick-off times will fall late in the evening for UK audiences. For instance, today's kick-off against Croatia will not be until 9pm. It is projected that frequent late-night matches will contribute to workplace absences due to tiredness and hangovers.   A survey by brewing company Allsopp’s found that one in five Britons intend to pull a ‘sickie’ after at least one World Cup match. This equated to almost 6.9 million workers and could result in up to a £2.4bn hit to economic output. The impact could increase significantly if England progresses further into the tournament. Researchers estimate that repeated absences following England matches could cost as much as £7.3 billion during the group stages and up to an eye-watering £16.9 billion if they reach the final. The survey also revealed that nearly half of workers aged 25 to 34 said they would call in sick because of a hangover after a late-night match.  

"All eyes are on local businesses and pubs as turnout will be a key barometer for the hospitality sector this summer. "

As well as employers, several leisure industries are expected to feel the impact. Retail and wholesale are expected to experience a £6.3 billion decline in revenue as consumers shift towards experiences, food and drink. Broadcast and film are expected to lose around £650 million as audiences focus on football coverage.   Jamie Allsopp, re-founder of Allsopp's Brewery, said: “While people pulling sickies to watch the World Cup and hungover staff working from home might not be great news for employers, the drive towards pubs has been sorely needed for the hospitality sector,  “This is going to be one of the biggest periods ever for pubs, and it comes at a crucial time when VAT has been choking the industry.”  However, this is subject to how late the games run for. In a survey of 2,000 adults, most said 9pm was the latest they would be willing to go to a pub to watch the game. As we get closer to England's World Cup 2026 debut in a matter of hours, all eyes are on local businesses and pubs as turnout will be a key barometer for the hospitality sector this summer.

"While there are concerns around workplace productivity, it is of vital importance that Britons step outside, socialise and contribute to the national economy this summer."

While there are concerns aroun...