World Cup may create billions in consumption growth in UK

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The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia will bring a consumption growth of about 1.778 billion US dollars in the UK between June 14 and July 15, and if England makes it to the final round, the growth could reach 3.642 billion dollars, according to British think-tank WARC.

Considering it is being held in Russia, the World Cup will not create direct revenue in the UK through ticketing, tourism, transportation and hotel booking. However, the country's retailers, entertainment companies, restaurants and bars will benefit from the sporting event.

Football makes fans excited, and spend more on beer. /VCG Photo

According to a survey on expected consumption behavior during the 2018 World Cup by VoucherCodes, a British research center, bars, restaurants and football-themed beer houses in the UK can expect to make around 258.46 million US dollars during the event. If England makes it way to the finals, that number could grow to 653.57 million US dollars.

If the country enters the knockout tournament, British football fans who choose to watch the games at home are expected to spend another 321.43 million US dollars on food and 397.77 million US dollars on alcohol. The combined number increases by around 1.5 billion US dollars if England reaches the last match of the World Cup.

Many fans are expected to bigger and better TVs for the FIFA World Cup. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, more garden parties and barbecues will be held during the World Cup with at least 49.55 million US dollars expected to be spent.

Fans will also spend more on jerseys if England fares well – an increase of about 353.44 million US dollars if England makes it to the elimination tournament and 619.86 million for the finals. The same is expected to happen with souvenirs: 96.39 million US dollars for the knockout tournament and 207.51 million for the finals.

Some fans may upgrade their TVs for the FIFA World Cup. Consumption for new televisions and audio-video equipment are expected to grow by 370.79 million US dollars in Britain during the event and may witness an increase of 576.93 million if England enters the finals.

VoucherCodes said its data comes from 2,000 British adult football fans who filled out a questionnaire on paper. Though these fans pay most attention to England's performance, only 16 percent of them said they will spend less if England is knocked out.