The exhilarating 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially concluded, marking the longest men’s tournament on record, extending over 39 days across three nations and 16 cities. The event, which featured a total of 104 matches, culminated with Spain securing the championship title for the second time following a nail-biting 1-0 win against Argentina on July 19.
Unlike millions of football enthusiasts globally, Macau has no feelings of post-World Cup sadness. In fact, the city, known as the gaming capital of China, is quite relieved that the tournament is over, as it caused significant economic disruption in this gambling hub.
After five robust months leading up to 2026, where gross gaming revenue (GGR) climbed by 10.9% year-over-year, both June and July saw a notable decline. June’s figures fell by 12.1%, while July’s gaming revenue dropped by 8.4% to MOP20.26 billion (approx. US$2.51 billion).
The World Cup diverted high rollers away from Macau, and those who did arrive were more inclined to wager on the tournament rather than engage with VIP baccarat tables. The GGR for July was roughly $230 million lower compared to July 2025.
Over the first seven months of 2026, GGR has grown only 4.4% compared to the same period last year.
August Recovery
With the World Cup now behind, experts are optimistic about a swift recovery for Macau.
Vitaly Umansky, the senior global gaming analyst at Seaport Research Partners, anticipates a strong demand rebound in August.
“We predict an increase of 4.5% in August GGR year-over-year, driven by renewed demand, with many customers returning after postponing their trips during the World Cup,” Umansky noted.
Umansky expects a continuation of robust performance into September, estimating an 11% year-over-year GGR growth. Alongside the conclusion of the World Cup, these estimates are also based on relaxed visa policies, including the city’s visa-on-arrival scheme, which allows visitors from many countries to stay for up to 30 days.
However, not all analysts share Umansky’s optimistic view. JP Morgan’s analysts forecast August to remain flat year-over-year, with a 6% increase projected for September.
Did China Compete in the World Cup?
The World Cup exerted a heavy influence on Macau’s economy, despite the Chinese national team failing to qualify for the tournament. Football enjoys immense popularity in the People’s Republic, with an estimated fan base exceeding 200 million. Interest in European leagues remains particularly strong.
While basketball is currently the most loved sport in China, about 20% of the population considers football their favorite.
China’s national football team has encountered challenges historically, managing to qualify for the World Cup just once. Their singular entry in 2002 was short-lived, as they lost all three group-stage matches without scoring a goal, conceding a total of nine.