Pub transactions quintupled during England v Panama World Cup match

Pub transactions hit a 2026 peak on the night of the England v Panama World Cup match, according to recent data.

Barclays Consumer Spend data for the month of June revealed that pub transactions on Saturday 27 June were at five times’ the year’s daily average, equating to a 389.9% boost.

Payments tripled (201.5% uplift year-on-year) for the England v Mexico kick-off on Monday 6 June, which was delayed until 2am BST due to adverse weather conditions.

England’s draw against Ghana on Tuesday 23 June also resulted in a 244.3% increase in pub transactions year-on-year.

The figures come as the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) predicted that the England v Argentina semi-final match on Wednesday (15 July) could result in six million extra pints being sold – a 75% increase in sales compared to the average Wednesday in July, which tends to sell eight million pints.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “Given the nail-biting stakes, we expect Wednesday to be the most successful night of the tournament, with more than six million extra pints potentially sold – which is a bigger boost than we’d normally see on a Bank Holiday or New Year’s Eve.

“The Three Lions have not only delivered on the pitch, they’ve brought fans and communities together, boosted pubs up and down the country and created some unforgettable memories. Now all they need to do is bring it home!”

Meanwhile, Deliveroo recorded a 200% increase in pizza and burger orders following England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning.

Rob Harris, chief revenue officer at Deliveroo, said: "The football fever has created a real commercial opportunity for every restaurant and shop on our platform. From pre-match preparation, late-night feasts or morning-after recovery runs, we’re helping the high street meet heightened demand.”

Sir Keir Starmer has hinted there could be an extra bank holiday if England wins the World Cup.

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