RE: Debt17 Jun 2026 15:30
Pub bookings surge by almost 300% for England's World Cup kick-off
Pub bookings have surged by nearly 300% as fans prepare to watch England's World Cup kick-off against Croatia, figures show.
Bookings for pub arrivals up to two hours before tonight's opener are up 293% on the same date last year, with hospitality set for a 42% sales boost across the group stage, technology provider Zonal has reported.
UKHospitality said the sector benefited "enormously" from major football tournaments, including the World Cup.
England's group games at Euro 2024 delivered a 42% sales increase, figures showed, with UKHospitality predicting a similar boost this World Cup.
England fans watching a Euro 2020 match at the pub
England fans watching a Euro 2020 match at the pub
PA
UKHospitality chairwoman Kate Nicholls said: "The pub is categorically the best place to watch England at the World Cup, both tonight and for the rest of the tournament.
"Bookings up almost 300% for tonight's game shows that, despite the later-than-usual kick-off times, England fans want to get together to watch the game, cheer on the team and support their local."
Figures from Opinium suggest 29% of UK adults are set to watch World Cup matches in the pub, spending an extra £600m this tournament alone.