Israelis Order 200 Pizzas Per Minute to Celebrate World Cup Final
On the evening of the 2026 World Cup final, Israeli food delivery services experienced a massive surge in orders, with pizza emerging as the most popular choice. According to data from Wolt, over 200 pizza trays were ordered every minute during the match, making pizza the leading food category for the event. Other popular foods included falafel, sushi, hamburgers, and pasta. The peak ordering time was around 9:30 PM, half an hour before the game started, indicating early preparation for the viewing party.
The final saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0, but in Israel, the biggest winner was pizza. Purchases of Spanish and Argentine flags rose by 76%, reflecting the festive atmosphere as many Israelis turned their homes into mini stadiums. Tel Aviv led the ordering activity, followed by Rishon Lezion, the Sharon region, Petah Tikva, and Haifa. Retail sales also increased significantly, with beer being the top-selling product, followed by ice, snacks, and nuts.
Data from another delivery service, Meshulash, showed a 39% increase in orders on the final Sunday compared to regular Sundays, and a 12% rise compared to the semifinals. Group orders of three or more dishes accounted for about 36% of all orders, highlighting the social nature of World Cup viewing. The knockout stage also influenced consumption patterns, with most orders placed before kickoff and fewer during halftime.
Outside central Israel, cities like Eilat saw a 43% growth in orders and a 56% increase in restaurant revenues, followed by Ashkelon, Kiryat Yam, and Maale Adumim. While pizza orders grew by nearly 15%, some categories like shawarma and salads declined, with salads dropping by about 30%. Overall, the World Cup final significantly impacted Israeli consumer behavior, turning the event into a major occasion for food delivery and home celebrations.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.