• by Teresa Buyikian , March 19, 2026

U.S. restaurants and other food service providers are expected to get a boost from the upcoming World Cup, but it may not be as big a bump as it seems on paper.

Held in the U.S, Mexico and Canada -- the first time it’s been held in three different countries -- the global event will kick off in July.  Food-service data provider Technomic has predicted a $1.9 billion increase to the U.S. food-service industry as a result.  The report cited the increases to come from “U.S. visitors specifically visiting for the World Cup and using food service; increased traffic in sports-oriented venues as Americans look for away-from-home viewing experiences; and an increase in events, like watch parties and informal gatherings, surrounding the World Cup.”

And while $1.9 billion may seem like a huge amount, it represents only 0.2% of the total U.S. food-service industry forecast for 2026 of $1.2 trillion. Technomic predicts the U.S. food-service industry will grow by $49.82 billion overall in 2026, a 4.3% increase from 2025.

The report also revealed that food-service spending in the U.S. accounted for 13.6% of all U.S. retail and food services sales in 2025, a number that has only increased over the past 25 years. In 2000, food-service share was only 9.2%, and grocery store share was 12.4%, which decreased to 10.5% in 2025.

Affordability remains top of mind for consumers, but QSRs today aren't benefiting as they have in previous times of high inflation and economic uncertainty. They're facing more competition from what the report calls “casual-dining restaurants (CDR),” such as Chili’s Grill & Bar, which "may have successfully redrawn the affordability equation,” with the success of promotions such as the “3 for me” deal that starts at $10.99.