KUALA LUMPUR — Football fever during the FIFA World Cup 2026 could inject between RM1.2 billion and RM2.1 billion into Malaysia’s food and beverage (F&B) industry as fans flock to “mamak” outlets, cafes, and restaurants to catch live matches, according to an economist.

Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai of the Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) said the World Cup acts as a high-frequency economic stimulus that temporarily shifts consumer spending patterns and boosts business activity across several sectors.

“The Fifa World Cup does generate meaningful, but temporary, economic activity in Malaysia. It stimulates consumption rather than investment, with benefits concentrated in specific sectors, especially the F&B, retail, and media sectors,” he told Bernama.

Describing the tournament as a series of “mini-consumption festivals” around match days, Barjoyai said businesses that can attract crowds and create a communal viewing experience stand to benefit the most.

Malaysia’s F&B industry, valued at about RM10 billion to RM12 billion monthly, could record an average revenue uplift of around 12 per cent under a base-case scenario, generating an additional RM1.2 billion to RM1.4 billion during the tournament period. Under a high-engagement scenario characterised by strong viewership and effective marketing initiatives, the average uplift could rise to 18 per cent, translating into an additional RM1.8 billion to RM2.1 billion in revenue.

The gains are expected to be concentrated in the late-night economy between 9 pm and 3 am, driven primarily by higher customer traffic rather than price increases.

“About 40 per cent of the additional spending stems from late-night dining, followed by group gatherings at 30 per cent, food delivery demand at 20 per cent and event-based promotions at 10 per cent,” the economist said.