Pubs across England enjoyed their best football-related sales boost in recent years thanks to England's run to the semi-final of an expanded World Cup, combined with extended late-night opening hours. The uplift, confirmed by multiple industry sources, outstripped that seen during previous tournaments including England's run to the Euro 2024 final, offering rare relief to a hospitality sector that had been closing at a rate of one pub a day in England and Wales.

The British Beer & Pubs Association said pubs sold 30m extra pints over the tournament, generating £150m in added sales, while payments provider Dojo recorded a 16% rise in sales overall, 9% better than during Euro 2024. The standout moment was England's early-morning match against Mexico, when sales almost doubled, aided by pubs being allowed to trade through the night. The boost coincided with a £100m government aid package announced by Andy Burnham, including a 20% cut in business rates, though publicans noted that quieter days between matches and rising costs, such as extra screens and equipment, offset some of the gains.