Tickets to watch England’s World Cup matches in venues across the country are selling fast – despite the first game being more than two months away.
Although England do not take on Croatia until June 17, advanced bookings to secure entry or prime seats in pubs or venues – particularly those with large outdoor spaces and fan zones – are being snapped up much faster than in previous years.
Nowhere is this felt more than the nation’s capital.
At the Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, east London, space is becoming increasingly limited for England’s opening game, which starts at 9pm GMT.
The venue – a large beer hall with a large outdoor area – is charging £12 per ticket has already seen ‘strong demand.’
Faye Daniels, from the 1,400 capacity venue, said: ‘We haven’t yet sold out, but we’re certainly seeing strong demand already.
‘I’d always advise people to book early for big matches.
‘For the Euros final in 2024 we sold out tickets in 28 seconds, with over 35,000 people on the waiting list.’
Tickets to watch England’s World Cup matches are selling fast – despite the first game being more than two months away
Outdoor venue Flat Iron Square, located near London Bridge, has already sold out tickets for the Croatia viewing – despite entry costing up to £25 for a table seat.
Instead of tickets, prospective fans are redirected to a waiting list on the venue’s website.
The venue has also sold out of its cheaper £10 entry tickets for England’s two other games – Ghana on June 23, and Panama on June 27.
At O’Neill’s pub on Carnaby Street, tables to view the Croatia game also appear to be sold out.
On the pub’s website, it states: ‘During the World Cup, bookable space is limited.’
However, the venue recommends fans arrive early, as they keep tables for guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yet the surge in bookings is not entirely confined to London.
In Coventry, manager of the White Horse, Callum Taylor, said he suspects the pub will be ‘full to the rafters.’
Despite the England’s recent run of bad luck, the hospitality industry has welcomed the World Cup
He said: ‘It’s been pretty popular. We’ve been much busier with bookings than the last tournament.’
The increase in bookings comes despite recent disappointing performances by Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Last month, they lost at home to Japan – the first time in the team’s history of losing to an Asian nation.
In 2024, they lost out to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Despite the team’s run of bad luck, the hospitality industry has welcomed the World Cup back to their screens.
Pub bosses have said the games could give business a boost following a period marked by rising costs and lower consumer spending.
