The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the biggest tournament yet, with more teams, more matches and more opportunities to boost your trade. England and Scotland are through, and Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the Republic of Ireland, stand a chance if they survive the play-offs in March.
Remember, home-team games behave differently from normal trading days. Expect:
- Earlier arrivals before kick-off
- Strong food sales pre-match
- Peak bar demand at half-time
- Extended trading after full-time if the atmosphere is right
Late evening kick-offs can generate valuable incremental revenue – if venues are properly staffed and equipped.
Read on and get set for an amazing summer of sport.
Key World Cup dates to prepare for now
- Group stage: 11–27 June
- Round of 32: 28 June–3 July
- Round of 16: 4–7 July
- Quarter-finals: 9–12 July
- Semi-finals: 14–15 July
- Final: Sunday 19 July
England’s confirmed Group Stage matches
These are the first dates English hospitality businesses should lock into their summer calendars:
England vs Croatia
Wednesday 17 June – 9pm
England vs Ghana
Tuesday 23 June – 9pm
Panama vs England
Saturday 27 June – 10pm
Operational implications
- 9pm games encourage after-work crowds – plan quick-service food options
- The Saturday 10pm fixture is likely to drive all-night trading
- Consider pre-booked tables or match packages to control demand
Possible England paths towards the final
We’ve peered into the crystal ball (and used the FIFA rankings) to predict who England may face if they get through the Group Stages. These opponents certainly aren’t guaranteed but give a feel for the fixtures likely to draw in the crowds.
If England win their group, potential fixtures include:
- Round of 32 – 1 July
- Round of 16 vs Mexico – 5 July
- Quarter-final vs Brazil – 11 July
- Semi-final vs Argentina – 15 July
- Final vs Spain – 19 July
If England finish runners-up:
- Round of 32 – 2 July
- Round of 16 vs Spain – 6 July
- Quarter-final vs Belgium – 10 July
- Semi-final vs France – 14 July
- Final vs Argentina – 19 July
For hospitality businesses, progression means:
- Longer stays
- Higher drinks sales
- Greater need for stock and systems to cope with demand
Scotland’s World Cup 2026 Group Matches
Scottish games are sure to pack pubs, bars and other venues north of the border, but they’ll also draw crowds across the UK. Late kick-offs mean more drinking time, so prepare for long, profitable nights.
Haiti vs Scotland
Sunday 14 June – 2am
Scotland vs Morocco
Friday 19 June – 11pm
Scotland vs Brazil
24 June – 11pm
The bookies reckon Scotland are less likely to progress beyond the Group Stages — but you can see their possible routes to the final here.
Wales play-off matches
Wales face Bosnia & Herzegovina on Thursday, 26 March, and should they progress to the play-off final, either Italy or Northern Ireland at home on Tuesday, 31 March.
If Wales progress, they will face Canada on 12 June, Switzerland on 18 June, and conclude the group stage against Qatar on 24 June.
Northern Ireland play-off matches
Northern Ireland face a difficult play-off semi-final in Italy on 26 March. Win, and they travel to Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off final on Tuesday, 31 March.
Hosts Canada would then await in Toronto on 12 June, before matches with Switzerland on 18 June, and Qatar on 24 June.
Republic of Ireland play-off matches
While not a Home Nation, The Republic of Ireland will have strong support across the UK. To progress, they must beat the Czech Republic in Prague on 26 March in the play-off semi-final. If they win, they face a winner-takes-all final against either Denmark or North Macedonia at home on 31 March.
If they do progress to the finals, they’ll play South Korea on 11 June. They would then take on South Africa on 18 June and finish Group A against hosts Mexico on 24 June.
The bigger opportunity
The World Cup sits at the heart of a wider summer of sport – meaning momentum can continue well beyond football. Venues that invest in infrastructure, staffing, and customer experience now could benefit from improved trading long after the tournament ends. But that requires getting your World Cup preparation right.
Get ready for the World Cup and a host of other great events with the Capify Summer of Sport Playbook. It’s packed with practical advice on staffing, hospitality systems, marketing, big screen, outdoor trading, and coping with the rush.
Download the playbook to discover how your venue can turn the World Cup and other major sporting events into a lasting business boost – and how the right investment at the right time can help you make the most of the opportunity.
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