UK pubs see bookings soar ahead of England World Cup opener
England receive warm welcome as the arrive hotel ahead of World Cup opener
Pub bookings across the UK have surged by nearly 300 per cent for England’s World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia on Wednesday.
The hospitality sector anticipates a 42 per cent sales increase during the tournament’s group stage, mirroring the uplift seen during previous major football events.
UKHospitality chairwoman Kate Nicholls stated that pubs are the best place to watch England’s matches, with the World Cup providing a significant boost for the sector.
Polling firm Opinium estimates that 29 per cent of UK adults plan to watch World Cup matches in pubs, contributing an estimated extra £600 million to the economy.
The British Beer and Pub Association expects an additional five million pints to be sold for England’s first match alone, as fans gather in pubs.
