The latest TV ratings show almost half of Australia’s population has watched some of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and they’re packing out pubs, clubs and casinos across the nation.

Shaun Scanlan from Sporting Globe in Bendigo told Gold Central Victoria: “We’ve got lots of bookings and we’re selling a lot of beers and cocktails!

“Obviously the World Cup only comes around once every four years, so I think everyone gets up an about when the Socceroos or the Matildas are playing.

“This is an iconic event, and it means a lot from a hospitality perspective – especially at the moment when people are doing it tough, [and] businesses are doing it tough.

“It’s great to see everyone getting out and supporting the Socceroos.”

Australia is definitely the place to be grabbing a pint during matches, with reports beers at the stadiums can cost up to $32 in Aussie dollars, while signature cocktails come in at $37. Even water can cost up to $8.

However, high prices aren’t dampening demand. Seattle bars and restaurants experienced a 56% surge in transactions during a recent US versus Australia soccer match, driven by a 212% spike in beer sales and a 228% increase in hot dog sales.

Shawn O’Donnell’s Irish Pub owner Shawn O’Donnell Jr. told Fox 13: “Pints of Guinness — we sold 1800 over the weekend,” O’Donnell said. “Equivalent to about 26 kegs. We’re restocked, reloaded for this weekend and next as well.”

The Socceroos’ third match of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ was the most-watched World Cup match in SBS history, attracting 4.844 million viewers as the Australian team qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament by drawing 0-0 with Paraguay in San Francisco on 26 June.

The Socceroos will now play against Egypt in Dallas on Saturday, 4 July at 4am (AEST) in the Round of 32.

The exciting young Socceroos team has captivated the nation, attracting a total TV average audience of 3.086 million across linear television and digital streaming for their deciding Group D match, as almost 47% tuned in through SBS On Demand.

Cumulative total TV reach for the tournament is now at 13.9 million. The World Cup broadcast has struck a particular chord with younger viewers, ranking No.1 in the daily ratings for 14 of the last 15 days in the 16-39 age group.

SBS Director of Sport Ken Shipp said: “This is a historic FIFA World Cup™ in many ways. In our 40 years of broadcasting the tournament, we’ve never seen national engagement at this level. Australians have embraced both the Socceroos’ campaign and the wider tournament in extraordinary numbers, demonstrating the enduring passion for football in this country.

“We’ve already witnessed some unforgettable football, and with the knockout rounds about to begin, the tournament is entering its most compelling stage.”

Pictured main: Crown Perth Sports Bar.