The 2026 World Cup Euphoria: Which Stocks Are Worth Collecting? Let's Take a Look

The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner. The world’s biggest soccer event will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting in June 2026. For Indonesian investors, this global excitement isn’t just a spectacle—it’s also an opportunity to keep an eye on 2026 World Cup-related stocks that stand to benefit.

Although Indonesia did not qualify for the final round, the impact is still felt through domestic consumption patterns. Due to the time zone difference, most matches will take place in the morning through midday Western Indonesian Time.

As a result, the culture of watching games together, streaming on mobile devices, and buying snacks has surged sharply. This is what opens up opportunities for certain sectors on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and several global stocks accessible to local investors.

Many are wondering: Which sectors will truly benefit? Is it just telecommunications? What about hospitality or sports betting? Let’s take an in-depth look based on the latest data and analysis.

Key Takeaways

• The telecommunications and digital infrastructure sector predicted to directly benefit from the surge in streaming data consumption during the month of the tournament.
• FMCG Company(snacks, drinks, and coffee) have the potential to record a significant increase in demand thanks to the strong tradition of watching together in Indonesia.
• Global opportunities like Airbnb and DraftKings offer exposure to short-term hospitality and sports betting, although with higher volatility and foreign exchange risks for Indonesian investors.

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Why Could the 2026 World Cup Affect Stocks in Indonesia?

The 2026 World Cup is projected to generate more than US$30 billion in global economic activity, with significant contributions from tourism and consumer spending. However, for the Indonesian market, the impact will be felt more in domestic consumption than in outbound tourism.

With many matches taking place in the morning and early afternoon (WIB), people will likely watch the games while at work or at home. This will trigger a surge in data traffic, digital advertising, and purchases of fast-moving consumer goods. 

(Image source: AI Image Generated)

Historically, major sporting events have often driven sector rotation in the stock market, although overall index returns can be mixed (some studies have noted a slight decline in market returns during previous tournaments).

Savvy investors look beyond the hype to the fundamentals of companies that actually have exposure to this increased activity. Here are the key sectors worth monitoring.

Read also:Do You Have to Buy NFTs for 2026 World Cup Tickets?

Telecommunications & Digital Infrastructure Sector: The Inevitable Data Surge

This is the sector most often cited as a direct beneficiary of the 2026 World Cup. Due to the time difference, millions of Indonesians will access high-quality streaming broadcasts via smartphones or laptops. Broadband and mobile data consumption is expected to increase exponentially throughout the month.

Issuers that have the potential to benefit:

• PT Telkom Indonesia (TLKM): Its dominance in the mobile and fixed broadband markets makes it best positioned to benefit from ARPU (average revenue per user) increases from sudden quota top-ups. A healthy EBITDA margin (~47%) provides room to optimize traffic surges.
• PT Indosat (ISAT): Solid net income and good operational cost control position it to reap the benefits of increased data usage.
• PT XL Axiata (EXCL): Despite recording a net loss due to interest and exchange rate expenses, operational fundamentals remain relevant for mass data consumption.
• PT Solusi Sinergi Digital (WIFI): The provider of affordable connectivity infrastructure and its "People's Internet" program has the potential to attract new customers seeking stable streaming. The stock had risen significantly ahead of the event.
• PT Folago Global Nusantara (IRSX): OTT platform (FolaPlay) partnered with TVRI for World Cup broadcasts.Daily active viewers can drive digital advertising monetization.

This sector is relatively defensive due to structural data needs. However, intense competition and tariff regulations can limit margins.

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FMCG & Lifestyle Sector: Profiting from the Watch-Along Culture

Indonesia has a strong tradition of "watching together" the World Cup. Morning and afternoon matches are often followed by snacks, coffee, or cigarettes at food stalls, offices, or homes. This creates a sense of community.stock turnover, which is faster in minimarkets and e-commerce.

Potential issuers:

• PT Indofood CBP (ICBP): Instant noodles and snacks will sell well when people organize group viewing events.
• PT Mayora Indah (MYOR): Packaged tea, biscuits, and processed coffee products have the potential to increase demand.
• PT H.M. Sampoerna (HMSP): Cigarette sales volumes have historically been stable or increased during the euphoria of major public events.
• PT Fore Kopi Indonesia (FORE): The trend of drinking coffee while watching entertainment shows can boost daily transactions, including delivery. High gross margins (~61%) provide operating profit leverage.

This sector is cyclical-event driven. Its increase can beIt is short term (1–2 months), but can provide attractive alpha if the timing is right.

Read also:After the Strait of Hormuz Opens: Is the AI ​​Sector Back in the Spotlight?

Global Opportunities: Airbnb, DraftKings, and the Hospitality & Sports Betting Sector

For investors who have access to the US market (through an international broker), these two names often come to mind.appears as a “wild card”:

• Airbnb (ABNB.US): Official FIFA partner. Predicted hundreds of thousands of additional guests in host cities and up to an 80% increase in searches in some areas. Short-term rentals offer more flexibility than conventional hotels, which have complained of low initial reservations.
• DraftKings (DKNG.US): The US sports betting leader. Global betting volume is projected to exceed US$50 billion during the tournament — a new record. Strong fundamentals with gross margins ~76% and impressive EPS growth.

World Cup airline stocksAirlines have also been cited for their surge in travel to North America. However, the risks are high: high aviation fuel prices, operational cost pressures, and many analysts believe the impact will be limited because the majority of passengers are local Americans.

The global sports betting and hospitality sector offers higher potential returns, but also volatility and currency risk (USD/IDR) significantly. Suitable for small portions in an aggressive portfolio.

Read also:MSCI Maintains Indonesia's Emerging Market Status, Successfully Averting Threat of Foreign Fund Outflow

Risks & How to Monitor 2026 World Cup Stock Opportunities

There's no guarantee that any of these stocks will rise. Some of the main risks:

• Event-driven pricing: Some expectations may have already been priced in before the tournament started.
• Makro overlay: Rupiah movements, BI interest rates, and global sentiment could overshadow the positive impact of the event.
• Disappointment risk: If viewership or economic activity in the host country falls short of expectations, global stocks like Airbnb could see a correction.
• High volatility on US stocks (DraftKings & Airbnb) due to premium valuations.

Practical strategies you can apply:

1. Monitor trading volumes and news related to sponsorship or broadcasting rights 2–4 weeks before kick-off.
2. Use a listicle approach to diversification: allocate different portions to telecom (defensive), FMCG (cyclical), and global (aggressive) sectors.
3. Pay attention to proxy macro data such as retail sales or carrier data traffic before the event.
4. Prepare an exit plan: many sporting events show profit taking after the group stage.
5. Diversify and use stop-loss to protect capital.

Conclusion

The excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup presents real opportunities for 2026 World Cup-related stocks in Indonesia’s telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and FMCG sectors.

Companies such as TLKM, ISAT, WIFI, IRSX, ICBP, and MYOR have the most direct exposure through increased data usage and domestic consumption. Meanwhile, Airbnb and DraftKings offer compelling global narratives for experienced investors.

However, remember: this is not personal investment advice. Capital markets always involve risk. Conduct your own research, consider your risk profile, and monitor fundamental developments and market sentiment regularly. 

Starting now, build your watchlist and prepare your strategy before the June 2026 kick-off. Who knows—the excitement on the field might just bring some profits to your portfolio.

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FAQ

Will all stocks rise during the 2026 World Cup?

No. Only sectors with direct exposure, such as telecom and FMCG, have the greatest potential. Stocks outside these sectors could remain sideways or even experience corrections due to macroeconomic factors.

Why are WIFI and IRSX often referred to as hero stocks?

Both have businesses closely tied to the surge in streaming and data traffic: WIFI as broadband infrastructure, and IRSX as an OTT platform partnering with broadcasters.

Can Indonesian investors buy Airbnb and DraftKings shares?

Yes, through a broker that provides access to the US market. However, consider transaction costs, taxes, and USD/IDR exchange rate fluctuations, which can erode returns.

When is the best time to start collecting related stocks?

Many analysts recommend starting 1–2 months before the tournament to avoid overpriced bets. However, always check valuations and current news.

Are there any negative risks from the World Cup for the stock market?

Yes. History shows that market returns can sometimes be slightly negative during tournaments due to investor focus on the event and potential profit-taking. Always diversify.