How Canadian small businesses are caught between World Cup chances and rising costs

Many Canadians plan to spend the 2026 FIFA World Cup watching matches at local bars instead of big chains. A survey shows 22% of people will head to independent spots, while only 2% will go to large venues. On average, fans expect to spend about $52 each on food and drinks during a game. For a full house of 40 people, that adds up to over $2, 000 in one night. But many small business owners aren’t excited about this opportunity. A separate poll found that 58% think the World Cup won’t change their income at all. Only 37% expect extra sales. The problem isn’t just hope—it’s real costs. Fuel prices, electricity bills, and wages are all going up. Higher prices for supplies make it tough to spend more on promotions or extra staff. Younger fans spend less per visit, but older groups like Gen X and Boomers drop more cash. Still, local places attract most of this spending. Nearly 60% of people say they’ll choose independent spots for summer meals, even if it costs extra. Price is still the top concern for diners, though. Many prefer deals over loyalty.Big chains have advantages small owners don’t. They buy in bulk, run ads across many locations, and can borrow money more easily. Local bars usually buy supplies at regular prices, market themselves one by one, and avoid risky loans. Many have done little to prepare—just 14% bought extra stock or posted online about the games. Even if a bar adds 20 fans per game, the profit isn’t guaranteed. Staffing, extra hours, and supplies cost money. If crowds don’t show up, owners lose on the gamble. Many have already cut costs elsewhere to survive. Most believe Canada’s economy is weak or getting worse soon. The event might bring big money to the country, but most profits go far from local spots. The government is spending hundreds of millions just to host matches. Fans cheer, but the real winners could be FIFA and big sponsors—not the small shops trying to keep up.