New ANZ insights show the FIFA World Cup has delivered a spending boost closer to home, with Australians flocking to pubs, cafes and takeaway outlets as they embrace both at-home viewing and shared match-day experiences.

Early analysis reveals ANZ customers have already spent over $7 billion during this year’s FIFA World Cup period so far, with strong spending uplifts recorded across key fan categories: takeaway food (up 6.75 per cent), cafes and restaurants (up 5.5 per cent) bars and hotels (up 5.2 per cent) and sporting apparel (up 9.3 per cent).

These trends largely mirror what ANZ observed during the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup, when customer spending increased 8.2 per cent year-on-year, totalling more than $11 billion.

During the 2022 tournament, spending increased across several categories, including takeaway food (up 9.4 per cent), cafes and restaurants (up 10.9 per cent), sporting apparel (up 11.2 per cent), takeaway alcohol (up 14.6 per cent) and bars and hotels (up 9 per cent).

The data suggests major sporting events are powerful influencers of local consumer behaviour and spending patterns, even when matches are played overseas or outside peak viewing hours.

ANZ Managing Director, Data & Analytics Joanna Gurry said: “Whether Australians are gathering with friends at home, heading to their local pub to watch a match, or showing support through purchasing sporting merchandise, we're seeing spending patterns that seem to reflect the excitement and social connection major sporting events
create.”

Despite the Socceroos’ campaign coming to an end, hospitality venues say strong patronage is continuing.

Sydney City Council has declared the FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Sydney Marathon in August as special events, unlocking extended trading hours so eligible businesses can open early.

With games kicking off in the early hours, non-licensed businesses can open early to serve fans out watching the football. Extended trading applies to eligible premises across the City of Sydney for the remaining World Cup games, with permitted opening times matched to each day’s fixtures:

  • Wednesday 15 July – from 4am
  • Thursday 16 July – from 4am
  • Sunday 19 July – from 6am
  • Monday 20 July – from 4am

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO said: “The FIFA World Cup and the Sydney Marathon bring enormous energy to our city, and these extended hours let businesses meet that demand, welcome visitors and share in the excitement.”