The United States economy created 172,000 jobs in May as pubs, bars and restaurants increased hiring ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off next week.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, most of the new jobs were created in the leisure and hospitality sector, local government and health care.
The figures cover the period leading up to the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Bureau says leisure and hospitality businesses added 70,000 jobs in May, significantly higher than the average monthly increase of 14,000 jobs recorded over the previous year.
Food and drink businesses accounted for 48,000 of those new jobs.
New York pub and restaurant owner Rehan Alam says he has hired seven additional bartenders in preparation for an expected increase in customers during the World Cup.
Alam says his business experienced a major boost during the previous World Cup in Qatar and expects an even bigger turnout this year because matches will be played in nearby New Jersey.
He has also installed seven new televisions and increased staffing levels to cater for football fans.
Alam says the extra business is welcome as companies continue to face rising costs linked to the fallout from the US-Israel war with Iran.
Economists had forecast the creation of 105,000 jobs in May, but the actual figure was much higher at 172,000.
The number of jobs created in March and April was also revised upward by a combined 93,000, indicating stronger hiring than initially reported.
