The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to create excitement both on and off the pitch, with Argentina and England securing important victories, while Australia's hospitality industry is witnessing a noticeable rise in consumer spending during the tournament.

Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the next stage after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. The match finished 1-1 at the end of regulation after Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead from a Lionel Messi assist before Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland in the second half.

Argentina sealed the win in extra time with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Switzerland's challenge became tougher after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation following a VAR review.

In another fixture, England registered a 2-1 victory over Norway to continue its FIFA World Cup campaign.

Away from the action on the field, the tournament has also delivered a strong boost to Australia's hospitality sector. According to new insights from ANZ, Australians have spent more than $7 billion during the FIFA World Cup period so far, with increased spending across food, dining and entertainment categories.

The data shows spending on takeaway food rose 6.75%, while cafes and restaurants recorded a 5.5% increase. Spending at bars and hotels grew 5.2%, and purchases of sporting apparel increased 9.3%, highlighting the positive impact of the tournament on consumer activity.

The trend closely reflects the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup, when ANZ customers spent more than $11 billion, with notable growth across takeaway food, cafes and restaurants, sporting apparel, takeaway alcohol, and bars and hotels.

The findings suggest that major sporting events continue to influence consumer behaviour, even when matches are played overseas or during early morning hours.

Commenting on the trend, Joanna Gurry, Managing Director, Data & Analytics, ANZ, said:

“Whether Australians are gathering with friends at home, heading to their local pub to watch a match, or showing support through purchasing sporting merchandise, we're seeing spending patterns that seem to reflect the excitement and social connection major sporting events create.”

Although Australia's Socceroos have exited the tournament, hospitality venues continue to report strong customer turnout.

To support football fans, the Sydney City Council has declared the FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Sydney Marathon as special events, allowing eligible businesses to operate with extended trading hours. Non-licensed businesses can open early to serve fans during the remaining FIFA World Cup matches.

The extended trading schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, July 15: From 4:00 am

• Thursday, July 16: From 4:00 am

• Sunday, July 19: From 6:00 am

• Monday, July 20: From 4:00 am

The latest figures highlight how global sporting events continue to benefit the hospitality sector by driving footfall, boosting food and beverage sales, and encouraging consumers to gather for shared match-day experiences.

Taj Agra has unveiled its exclusive Monsoon Mocktail Menu, a limited-edition beverage collection celebrating the refreshing flavours and nostalgic charm of the Indian monsoon. Available throughout the rainy season, the menu features five handcrafted mocktails that blend tropical fruits with warming spices and artisanal syrups to create a distinctive seasonal experience.

Inspired by the changing moods of the monsoon, the collection combines ingredients such as mango, guava, watermelon, pineapple, ginger, mint, black salt, and chaat masala to offer a balance of refreshing and comforting flavours. Each beverage has been thoughtfully curated to complement the cool, earthy ambience that accompanies the rains in Agra.

Commenting on the launch, Aman Raj, Bartender at Taj Agra, said, "Monsoon in Agra has a unique charm that calls for comforting yet vibrant flavors. For this menu, we wanted to elevate familiar seasonal fruits by balancing their sweetness with the sharp bite of ginger, fresh mint, and classic street-side spices like chaat masala. These drinks do more than refresh. They evoke nostalgic memories of a classic Indian monsoon, perfectly complementing the cool, earthy atmosphere of the season."

The seasonal menu includes the Mango Monsoon Cooler, a refreshing blend of mango, lime, mint, and sparkling fizz; the Mango Masala Fizz, inspired by India's iconic fruit chaat with chaat masala and black salt; the Watermelon Mint Rain Cooler, combining fresh watermelon juice with muddled mint; the Spicy Pineapple Ginger Fizz, featuring pineapple, ginger syrup, and ginger ale for a warming finish; and the Guava Watermelon Punch, a layered mocktail combining guava, watermelon, and grenadine.

Through this limited-time offering, Taj Agra aims to create a sensory dining experience that captures the essence of the monsoon while showcasing seasonal ingredients through innovative, alcohol-free beverages.

Part of the Taj Hotels portfolio, Taj Agra continues to offer curated culinary experiences that blend contemporary hospitality with India's rich gastronomic traditions.

Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata & Ozone Convention Centre has strengthened its Rooms Division leadership team with the appointment of Sudipta Paul as Housekeeping Manager and the promotion of Somosubhra Mukherjee as Front Office Manager.

With over 15 years of hospitality experience, Sudipta Paul joins the hotel with expertise in housekeeping operations, hygiene management, operational efficiency, and guest experience. Prior to this appointment, he served as Assistant Housekeeping Manager at The St. Regis Goa Resort, where he played a key role in enhancing guest satisfaction and operational excellence. His professional journey also includes leadership assignments with Marriott International, Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, and international exposure through Hilton Al Seef Dubai.

In his new role, Sudipta will lead the hotel's housekeeping operations, focusing on maintaining high cleanliness standards, enhancing guest satisfaction, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement while developing high-performing teams.

Alongside this appointment, the hotel has promoted Somosubhra Mukherjee to Front Office Manager. Bringing more than 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has built a strong reputation for operational excellence, guest service, and team leadership. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Radisson, The LaLiT Group of Hotels, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

Somosubhra joined Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata & Ozone Convention Centre in 2023 as Duty Manager before being promoted to Assistant Front Office Manager in 2025. In his new position, he will oversee front office operations with a focus on delivering seamless guest experiences, strengthening operational efficiency, and enhancing service excellence.

Commenting on the appointments, Somrup Chanda, General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata & Ozone Convention Centre, said, "At Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata & Ozone Convention Centre, our people are our greatest strength, and investing in capable leaders is integral to delivering exceptional guest experiences. We are delighted to welcome Sudipta Paul as Housekeeping Manager and congratulate Somosubhra Mukherjee on his well-deserved promotion to Front Office Manager. Their combined expertise, operational excellence, and passion for hospitality will further strengthen our Rooms Division, elevate service standards, and reinforce our commitment to creating memorable experiences for every guest."

The appointments reflect the hotel's continued focus on nurturing talent, strengthening operational leadership, and enhancing guest experiences through experienced professionals.