World Cup 2026 drives player gear trends and shakes beer stocks after Mexico, Brazil exits

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many players wore long‑sleeve shirts despite high temperatures, citing technical benefits such as improved compression, sun protection and muscle warmth. Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul highlighted the style as a personal confidence ritual.

The tournament also sparked commentary on economic and political challenges in Argentina, where analysts warned that the World Cup’s intense spotlight reflects broader difficulties facing President Javier Milei’s government, including pension reforms, central‑bank independence and a looming fiscal shutdown.

When Mexico and Brazil were eliminated in the round of 16, major brewers saw their share prices fall: AB InBev slid 2.4% in Brussels, Constellation Brands dropped 5.9% on Wall Street, Heineken fell 1.4% in Amsterdam and Ambev lost 3.5% in São Paulo. Analysts revised down expectations for a 1 billion‑pint boost in beer sales, noting the loss of two of the sport’s largest fan bases.