Anheuser-Busch was the #1 Fastest Growing Alcohol Supplier Throughout FIFA World Cup 2026™

The FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered plenty of action on the pitch, but the tournament also became a major proving ground for some of America’s biggest beer and beverage brands. According to Anheuser-Busch, the company’s portfolio experienced significant growth during the six-week tournament, with Michelob ULTRA, Stella Artois and NUTRL among the brands benefiting from the massive wave of World Cup-related consumer activity.

Michelob ULTRA emerged as the biggest story in the portfolio. The brand posted 12.4% total-volume growth across U.S. World Cup host cities, with particularly strong performances in Boston and Miami. Michelob ULTRA Zero also delivered a major gain, increasing 49% and ranking as the fastest-growing brand among the top 50 beer families tracked in the company’s cited data. Meanwhile, Stella Artois gained share at bars and restaurants nationwide while NUTRL continued its momentum among consumers seeking a flavorful alternative for matchday occasions.

The results highlight how major sporting events can influence beer sales, bar traffic, package purchases and delivery orders. Anheuser-Busch says its performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrates the value of connecting its brands with consumers during major cultural and sporting moments, while the results also point to continued opportunities for beer, non-alcohol beer and beyond-beer brands.

Here is the full Anheuser-Busch announcement detailing its performance during FIFA World Cup 2026:

Key Facts

• · Anheuser-Busch was the #1 fastest-growing alcohol supplier during the World Cup¹
• · Michelob ULTRA grew 12.4% total volume across U.S. World Cup host cities²
• · Stella Artois was a top 5 share gainer at bars and restaurants across the country during the tournament³
• · NUTRL grew 21.5% in host cities during the tournament⁵

ST. LOUIS, MO – August 12, 2026 – Over the six weeks of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ this summer, Anheuser-Busch held the position of #1 fastest-growing alcohol supplier during the tournament.¹

America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer Michelob ULTRA outperformed the industry as the “Superior Player of the Match” throughout the tournament:

• · Michelob ULTRA grew 12.4% total volume across U.S. host cities, including +33% growth in Boston and +32% growth in Miami.²
• · Michelob ULTRA gained 2.62 volume share points on draft, and 1.61 share points in package, further solidifying its position as the #1 beer in bars and restaurants across the country.³
• · Leading non-alcohol beer Michelob ULTRA Zero was a breakout performer, ranking as the fastest-growing brand (+49%) among ALL top 50 beer families,² and nearly tripling its volume share in bars and restaurants. ³
• · Michelob ULTRA was honored with its own “Golden Boot” for being the most-ordered beer on DoorDash across the full tournament, leading beer orders across 13 states, including Texas, Florida, Arizona, Louisiana and Tennessee.⁴

Stella Artois was another key contributor throughout the World Cup:

• · During the tournament, Stella Artois was a top 5 share gainer at bars and restaurants across the country, gaining +35% in draft volume in June alone.³
• · Stella Artois also saw growth in key host cities, with standouts like Atlanta (13%) and Miami (7%).²

NUTRL brought great vibes and kept it tasty at matchday moments, growing 21.5% in host cities and 9.7% overall during the tournament.⁵

Kyle Norrington, Chief Commercial Officer, Anheuser-Busch said: “Anheuser-Busch’s momentum is driven by a consumer-first strategy rooted in focus, consistency and connecting fans with our brands during high-impact moments, such as the FIFA World Cup, which proved to be a growth driver for the beer industry. Our performance underscores a simple truth: when we connect with consumers authentically during the moments that matter most, we can drive meaningful momentum for our brands and for the industry.”

About Anheuser-Busch

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We make the nation’s most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, BeatBox, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Sources:

[1] Circana TUS MULC+ Dollar Sales L6W w/e 7.19.26

[2] Circana TUS MULC+ Volume Sales L6W w/e 7.19.26

[3] BeerBoard Insights “Beyond the Final Whistle” (6/11/26-7/19/26)

[4] Stacker: Fútbol fever: From beer choices to team merch, DoorDash data reveals how fans enjoyed the tournament

[5] Circana TUS Hard Bev Geo L6W w/e 7.19.26

Related Anheuser-Busch News from mybeerbuzz.com:
MyBeerBuzz has followed Anheuser-Busch and its expansive brand portfolio through major launches, partnerships and industry developments, including our coverage of Michelob ULTRA’s NFL campaigns, Stella Artois, and Anheuser-Busch news and releases. Those stories provide additional background on the brands that helped Anheuser-Busch capitalize on major consumer occasions such as the FIFA World Cup.

zzubreebym