Pub bookings triple as England prepare to kick off World Cup campaign

Pub bookings are up almost 300% ahead of England’s first World Cup match against Croatia tonight.

Data from hospitality technology provider Zonal showed bookings were 293% higher than a non-matchday Wednesday.

England are set to kick off their World Cup campaign at 9pm and Zonal has drawn figures from bookings made for 7pm or later.

Pub operators will be hoping increased bookings will mean a significant sales boost throughout the tournament, which is being held across Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Analysis of transaction insight by Reward shows England group games at Euro 2024 delivered a 42% sales increase.

Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, 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.

“The World Cup will be a massive boost for our pubs and bars, with sales set to be up more than 40% across the group stage as fans gather for the games.

“Fingers crossed tonight’s game is the start of a long World Cup campaign for the Three Lions, in what would be a huge boost for both football fans and hospitality.”