If football is the world's favourite sport, beer might just be its favourite teammate. Since the 2026 World Cup kicked off on June 11, fans have downed far more beer than water in stadiums, according to the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa).
Tournament figures show that 2.8 million beers have been sold - nearly three times the almost one million bottles of water purchased. Fans also polished off 300,000 hot dogs.
Bernama, quoting the German news agency DPA, reported that the expanded tournament has also rewritten the record books for attendance and goals during the group stage.
Fifa said the 72 group-stage matches drew over 4.6 million spectators, surpassing the previous record of 3.5 million set at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
However, that tournament featured only 24 teams and 52 matches, which is half the number of teams, and significantly fewer games than the current 48-team edition hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
As a result, the 1994 tournament still holds the edge for average attendance, with 68,991 fans per match compared with 64,508 so far this year.
Highest number of group stage goals
Goals have flowed just as freely as the beer. The 215 scored in the group stage average three per game - the highest in World Cup history, Fifa said.
By comparison, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar produced 179 goals across 64 matches, averaging 2.8 per game.
The expanded tournament has also reached a symbolic milestone.
Of the 999 players used by the 48 participating teams, Canada captain Alphonso Davies became the tournament's 1,000th player when he came off the bench in his side's victory over South Africa.
Beyond the stadiums, official fan festivals across the three host nations have welcomed more than 5.5 million visitors, who consumed over two million alcoholic drinks and nearly two million soft drinks.
Iran fires parting shot
On a sobering note, Iran fired a parting shot at what they called the “unfair and unsportsmanlike” treatment they had received as they left the World Cup.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Egypt, in which Iran had a goal disallowed after a lengthy VAR check, was not enough for Iran to reach the knockout stages, ending a tournament appearance in which they had frequently complained about different issues amid their nation’s conflict with the US.
The team had been due to be based in Arizona but switched to Tijuana, Mexico, and has faced a number of travel restrictions for their matches in the US.
In a statement as they headed home, the Iranian Football Federation thanked the media for covering their situation.
“Thank you for your professionalism, your support, and for covering not only our team’s sporting journey but also the unfair and unsportsmanlike treatment our delegation experienced during our stay,” the statement said.
“Your commitment to reporting the facts with accuracy and integrity has meant a great deal to us.
“We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful people of Mexico, especially the beautiful city of Tijuana and its kind, warm-hearted residents. You welcomed us with generosity and genuine hospitality, making us feel at home. Leaving Tijuana is truly difficult for all of us.”
Betting call centres busted
In Malaysia, police have busted two call centres involved in football betting activities in Gelugor and Butterworth, arresting nine individuals.
Penang police chief Dennis Lim said the raids were part of Op Soga XI from June 11 to July 19 to curb such activities throughout the state.
"In the first raid on June 26 at a condominium unit in The Light Collection 1, Gelugor, police arrested four individuals, comprising a local woman and three foreign men aged between 29 and 44.
"Investigations revealed that the syndicate had used the premises as a call centre to manage customer accounts, oversee transactions and promote online football betting through the website 137.com," he said.
Police also seized several computers, mobile phones and various electronic devices used in the illegal operation during the raid.
Lim said in the second raid, conducted yesterday at a condominium unit in Marminton Homes, Butterworth, police arrested five local men aged between 27 and 41.
He said the syndicate had operated World Cup football betting through the Nova88 website, using the residence as its call centre.
"The syndicate's modus operandi was to use residential premises as a call centre to manage customer accounts, receive and monitor online football bets, and provide customer support using computers and telephones connected to the gambling platform.
"During the raid, we seized six computers, mobile phones of various brands, internet modems and various computer equipment used in the betting activities," he added.
The suspects had been remanded until July 1 to assist investigations, with the case being investigated under Section 4(1)(e) of the Betting Act 1953 and Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
He said that so far, under Op Soga XI, Penang police had conducted 21 raids, arrested 28 individuals and seized RM8,935 in cash, along with various equipment used in online gambling activities. - Mkini
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