Press Releases June 12, 2026 11:00 AM

What is needed to feed World Cup visitors in 11 U.S. host cities? Start with 3 million extra pounds of fries

Sysco ramps up supply chain and staffing to meet huge demand from 2026 FIFA World Cup in U.S. host cities

By Ajmal Hussain
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Sysco Corporation is preparing to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup in 11 U.S. host cities by increasing inventory, expanding its fleet, and hiring additional staff to serve nearly 5 million visitors. The company has boosted its supply of key food items like French fries, chicken tenders, and ground beef, and is working closely with local customers to offer specialty menus and cultural adaptations to meet international visitor needs.

What is needed to feed World Cup visitors in 11 U.S. host cities? Start with 3 million extra pounds of fries
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Key Points

  • Sysco plans to increase inventory by about 5% in host cities, including 3 million extra pounds of French fries, 500,000 pounds of frozen chicken tenders, and 255,000 pounds of ground beef.
  • The company has added 80 trucks/trailers and hired dozens of warehouse and delivery staff to handle the increased demand.
  • Sysco is collaborating with local officials, restaurants, and stakeholders to provide customized supply and culinary solutions for the World Cup's international audience.

HOUSTON, June 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysco Corporation has spent months planning, hiring, stocking inventory and expanding its US fleet in 11 host cities to make sure the nearly 5 million visitors are properly fed while watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup games.

A task force of dozens of Sysco colleagues collaborated with local officials and stakeholders to understand and respond to expected demand, navigate complex logistics and security arrangements and make sure each city and all restaurant customers score big with visitors.

To help customers succeed during an event that is expected to have billions of dollars of economic impact in host cities, Sysco has:

  • Prepared to increase inventory in host cities by about 5%, including:
    • 3 million extra pounds of French fries
    • 500,000 more pounds of frozen chicken tenders
    • 255,000 more pounds of ground beef
    • About 10% more water on average
  • Secured 80 additional trucks/trailers
  • Hired dozens of warehouse selectors and delivery partners

Sales teams have also worked closely with customers to prepare them to host visitors from around the world by assisting with the creation of specialized menus, technology that better suits the culture of international guests and fun items, such as soccer ball-shaped ice cubes.

Want more information about what it takes to feed your host city? Email [email protected] to receive local data.

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food and related products to customers who prepare meals away from home. This includes restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments, entertainment venues, and more. Sysco operates 339 distribution centers, in 10 countries, with 75,000 colleagues serving approximately 730,000 customer locations. The company generated sales of more than $81 billion in fiscal year 2025 that ended June 28, 2025.

As the world’s largest food-away-from-home distributor, Sysco offers customized supply chain solutions, bespoke specialty product offerings, and culinary support to drive customers to innovate and optimize their operations. We act as a trusted business partner to our customers, helping them grow through our industry-leading portfolio that includes fresh produce, premium proteins, specialty products, sustainably focused items, equipment and supplies, and innovative culinary solutions.

For more information, visit www.sysco.com. For important news and key information for Sysco investors, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at investors.sysco.com.

Follow us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sysco/
https://www.instagram.com/syscofoodie/
https://www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods
https://x.com/Sysco

For more information contact:

Media Contact 
Ramit Plushnick-Masti
[email protected]
713-703-4898

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a25d5d16-e41b-4522-b3a8-243adf53a30c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77cb0d04-5f8a-4f2a-85e0-e5286e8916a4

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4b5f17e-f9b5-4e06-9672-d5a5ed1683a4

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Risks

  • Logistical challenges could disrupt timely delivery given the complexity of coordinating increased inventory and expanded fleet across 11 cities.
  • Unforeseen changes in visitor numbers or consumption patterns during the event could lead to inventory shortages or excess, impacting operations.
  • Security and regulatory requirements during the global event may cause operational delays or increased costs.

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