gorodenkoff/iStock via Getty Images The 2026 FIFA World Cup could provide a temporary boost to a range of consumer, media, and gaming stocks, with hotels, restaurants, broadcasters, and sports-betting operators among the biggest potential beneficiaries, according to a Deutsche Bank research note. The tournament, which begins June 11 and runs through mid-July across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is...
gorodenkoff/iStock via Getty Images The 2026 FIFA World Cup could provide a temporary boost to a range of consumer, media, and gaming stocks, with hotels, restaurants, broadcasters, and sports-betting operators among the biggest potential beneficiaries, according to a Deutsche Bank research note. The tournament, which begins June 11 and runs through mid-July across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is expected to draw roughly 1.2 million international visitors and feature a record 104 matches, creating opportunities for companies tied to travel, dining, media consumption, and sports wagering. Among hotels, Deutsche Bank said full-service hotel REITs could see the greatest benefit as teams, sponsors, and fans drive occupancy and spending. The bank highlighted DiamondRock Hospitality ( DRH ), Sunstone Hotel Investors ( SHO ), Host Hotels & Resorts ( HST ), Park Hotels & Resorts ( PK ), and Ryman Hospitality Properties ( RHP ). Hyatt ( H ), Hilton ( HLT ), and Marriott ( MAR ) were also identified as potential lodging beneficiaries because of their luxury exposure. In restaurants, the bank sees upside for brands with significant exposure to host cities, sports viewing occasions, and delivery. Shake Shack ( SHAK ), Sweetgreen ( SG ), Wingstop ( WING ), Domino’s ( DPZ ), Chipotle ( CMG ), Starbucks ( SBUX ), and McDonald’s ( MCD ) were among the names highlighted. Sports bars and restaurant chains with strong game-day traffic could also benefit from watch parties and increased tourism. On the media side, Deutsche Bank expects Fox ( FOXA ) and Comcast-owned ( CMCSA ) Telemundo to benefit from World Cup advertising revenue, while Alphabet’s ( GOOGL ) YouTube could see a lift through highlights and digital distribution. The bank also sees sports betting as a key winner, forecasting World Cup wagering volume of about $3.3B. FanDuel owner Flutter Entertainment ( FLUT ) and DraftKings ( DKNG ) are viewed as the best-positioned operators. Deutsche Bank noted that while FIFA estimat...