South Korea’s first 2026 World Cup qualifying match spurred a significant increase in sales at convenience stores nationwide. On November 12th, the day of the match, sales of instant chicken and non-alcoholic beer saw a substantial jump. Convenience store data indicates a surge in demand for these items as fans gathered to watch the game. This reflects a trend of increased consumer spending linked to major sporting events and national team support. Other snack foods also experienced increased sales, though chicken and beer showed the most dramatic rise. Industry analysts attribute the boost to fans choosing convenience stores as a venue to enjoy the match and related refreshments. This “World Cup effect” demonstrates the economic impact of popular sporting events on retail sectors.