The World Cup economy: Football could bring billions home this year

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | 17th June 2026 | Economics and Finance
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

New analysis reveals mixed results for the UK economy during this summer's tournament, with the hospitality sector reaching a record high and workplace productivity, unsurprisingly, worse for wear.

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&nbs...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



Labour Party Conference: No fireworks from Healey, and no market shock either 

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | September 29, 2026

Healey’s affirmative line “There is nothing progressive about losing control” did little to stir ‘hype’ amongst conference attendees nor City bankers, but he is right to say it 

The exodus of the super-wealthy: Who pays the price?  

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | September 8, 2026

As speculation mounts over further tax rises, Britain’s ultra-rich investors and job creators are choosing to take their wealth elsewhere.

The Politics of Power 

Simon Francis | September 7, 2026

End Fuel Poverty Coalition coordinator Simon Francis examines the four stories politicians hear about electricity and gas, and argues that the fight over which story shapes the agenda

‘Never bet against America’ SpaceX debut makes millions for the UK  

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | June 16, 2026

The most highly anticipated stock market debut of the year, perhaps of all time, has delivered a huge win for UK investors.

Islamic Finance: A promising sub-sector for the UK

Danesh Mahadeva | June 11, 2026

Danesh Mahadeva introduces a socially responsible approach to investment and wealth management.