World Cup spending: England fans could spend £150m if they beat Panama
An England win against Panama at the World Cup on Saturday could lead to an extra £150m in consumer spending, while fans are expected to fork out an extra £22m in pubs across the country this weekend.
England are top of Group L, level on points with Ghana, ahead of Saturday’s final match of the group stages against Panama.
And a victory for Thomas Tuchel’s team could be a boon for the UK economy, with Novuna Finance estimating that reaching the knockout stages of the Fifa World Cup could spur a £150m consumer spending spree.
It comes as the British Beer and Pub Association predicted that every one of the country’s pubs could serve an extra 100 pints for the 10pm kick-off and deliver a revenue boost of £22m.
Theresa Lindsay, chief marketing officer at Novuna said: “Despite a frustrating draw against Ghana, hopes remain high for England’s tournament chances, and the first weekend game lands at the perfect time for pubs and retailers.
“A 10pm kick-off on Saturday with the heatwave still holding means it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest spending nights of the group stage, with people in England expecting to spend an average of £82 each on food, drink and takeaways across the tournament and another £67 at the pub.
World Cup boost
“A win or even draw against Panama will see England into the knockout stages, and our analysis suggests this could release a further £75m to £150m in consumer spending, rising towards £250m if they reach the final. Win or lose, expect fans to make a real night of it.”
Fans are hit by extortionately high beer duty thanks to government decisions, with England paying 54p, whilst Panama pays 13.8p.
Added BBPA chief Emma McClarkin: “To mark the end of the heatwave, what could be better than heading down the local to cheer on England.
“Even with the slightly later kick off time, we’re predicting that pubs across the UK will sell an extra 4.5m pints, with fans thirsty for a quality match.
“We’re calling on the Government to keep supporting our brilliant pubs, which are the home of live sport, by cutting beer duty to keep pints affordable for all.”