New ANZ insights show the FIFA World Cup has driven a spending boost closer to home, with Australians flocking to pubs, clubs and cafes to embrace shared match-day experiences.

Early analysis reveals the Socceroos loss to Egypt hasn’t dampened Aussie enthusiasm for the tournament, with ANZ customers already spending over $7 billion during this year’s FIFA World Cup period to date.

Strong spending uplifts were recorded in cafes and restaurants (up 5.5%) bars and hotels (up 5.2%).

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

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

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. 

Heath Agland, Manager of The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill at Fountain Gate (above and main), said fans were still flocking to the pub to watch games with family and friends. 

“The FIFA World Cup has created a real buzz at our venue, delivering a strong uplift in trade as fans come together to support teams from across the globe,” he said.

“We were completely booked out for the Socceroos’ last match at 4am, which speaks volumes about the passion Australians have for their team.

“Major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup provide a valuable boost for local venues, bringing communities together and creating memorable experiences. We look forward to welcoming even more fans through our doors as the tournament progresses.”

As the tournament enters its final thrilling week, SBS has revealed 3.7 million viewers watched England defeat Norway 2-1 in extra-time on 12 July to progress to the quarter-finals. The average audience was 2.1 million. This was the biggest audience for a match not involving Australia, and the fourth biggest match audience of the tournament.

According to preliminary numbers, most of those stayed on to watch Argentina defeat Switzerland 3-1 in extra-time. Six matches have now reached more than three million.

Excitement continues to build as the last four teams battle for the title. On Wednesday, France will meet Spain in the first semi-final (5am AEST), while England will play Argentina in the second semi-final on Thursday (5am AEST). The winners will meet in the World Cup final on Monday, 20 July (5am AEST).