Up to 26 million fans are expected to tune in to watch England’s semi-final battle with Argentina – with the 8pm kick-off forecast to deliver a bonanza for pubs
Hopeful England fans are forecast to guzzle up to 10 million extra pints for Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina.
After the heroic win over Mexico, and the nail-biting quarter final against Norway, a nervy nation is preparing for Thomas Tuchel and the team’s biggest game yet of the tournament. With football fever is sweeping the nation, as many 26.2 million are expected to tune in for England’s high-stakes semi-final clash against Argentina, according to latest predictions from discount website VoucherCodes.
Many are expected to flock – as they have for previous games – to pubs, bars and fan zones to share the drama with friends, family and strangers alike, with some bursting at the seams.
VoucherCodes estimates seven million – a record for the tournament – will roar on the Three Lions in hospitality venues, with fans forecast to drink 9.7million pints. The surge will boost hospitality sales by £60.5million from drinks alone with an additional £37.8million going on food.
Trade body the British Beer and Pub Association has produced its own estimates and reckons pubs alone could serve an extra six million pints for the game. The average Wednesday in July would see pubs sell around eight million pint so, if its estimates are right, it would equate to a massive 75% surge in sales.
Emma McClarkin, BBPA chief executive, said: “Thanks to the World Cup, we’ve seen millions of extra pints sold off the back of home nations matches. 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!”
England’s 2-1 win over Norway – led by Jude Bellingham ’s inspiring performance – drove a 23% increase in spending in pubs and bars according to payment provider Dojo. It reported a 152% spike ahead of extra time in the match, while transactions also jumped after the final whistle, as the nation let out a sigh of relief and ordered an extra drink to celebrate.
With Wednesday’s game kicking off at a prime time 8pm – England’s earliest yet in the tournament – an estimated 19.2 million people are also expected to watch the game at home or with friends. Supermarkets and others shops will be the big winners with a £357million spending spree, VoucherCodes estimates.
The bulk of sales will come from food and drink (£238m), sportswear (£44m) and electrical items (£25m). Clair Hughes, savings expert at VoucherCodes, said: “We’re now at that nail-biting point where England might actually win the World Cup.
“With every win and a step closer to victory, the excitement is growing and fans are becoming increasingly more lenient with their wallets. Football fever has people spending more than ever to enjoy the biggest sporting event of the summer.”
