Top Tips For Watching World Cup Matches

Plan for the Late Kick-Offs

Because the matches are taking place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the broadcast schedule for UK viewers looks a little different. While we will see some early-evening matches, the bulk of the action is scheduled for late evening and into the night.

Group stage matches are set to kick off from 5 pm all the way to 5 am UK time. This means preparing for a few late nights, especially if you want to catch the biggest games live. According to recent research from EE, over 80% of UK football fans say these late-night kick-offs will affect how they watch the games.

To help you plan your calendar, here are the key England and Scotland group stage fixtures you won’t want to miss; luckily, there’s only one post-midnight kick-off:

• Scotland vs Haiti – Sunday, June 14 at 2am BST
• England vs Croatia – Wednesday, June 17 at 9pm BST
• Scotland vs Morocco – Friday, June 19 at 11pm BST
• England vs Ghana – Tuesday, June 23 at 9pm BST
• Scotland vs Brazil – Wednesday, June 24 at 11pm BST
• Panama vs England – Saturday, June 27 at 10pm BST

If you can’t face a late night midweek, you won’t be alone. The same EE research shows that 76% of fans plan to actively avoid social media, mute group chats, and turn off notifications to prevent spoilers when they have to catch up on matches the morning after.

Tips for Enjoying the Matches Despite the Late Kick-Offs

With matches stretching past midnight, staying sharp enough to actually enjoy the game – and survive the workday after – takes a bit of strategy.

• Master the power nap: A quick 20-minute sleep right after work can work wonders. It resets your focus and gives you the stamina to stay up for those 10pm and late-night kick-offs without feeling like a zombie.
• Pace your pints and stay hydrated: If you’re watching matches late into the night, Drinkaware warns that alcohol combined with sleep deprivation can leave you feeling completely depleted the next day. Pacing yourself and drinking water alongside your drinks will save you from a heavy morning-after burnout.
• Keep midnight snacks light: Heavy meals right before bed are a fast track to feeling sluggish and falling asleep mid-game. Stick to light, easy finger foods or air-fryer grazing snacks that keep your energy levels steady without making you drowsy.
• Perfect the silent celebration setup: If you’re watching a 1 am match at home while others are asleep, avoid waking the whole household (or the neighbours) when a goal goes in. Keeping a set of wireless headphones handy can let you keep the commentary loud without any disturbances.
• Adjust your morning routine: If you can, shift your focus to working from home to avoid getting up early for the commute. Pre-preparing your breakfast and outfit the night before can also buy you an extra 30 minutes of precious sleep.
• Swerve the transport dread: Nothing ruins the buzz of a late-night victory faster than realising you have no way to get home. Sorting your travel plans before the pre-match pint is poured means you won’t be left stranded.

Where to Watch: Pubs Versus the Sofa

Deciding where to watch the big game is half the fun. This summer, UK fans are split between the electric atmosphere of the local pub and the comfort of their own living rooms.

For those who love a crowd, the good news is that licensing rules are expected to be relaxed, allowing English pubs to stay open until 1 am for major matches. Another survey found that more than a quarter (26%) of UK adults plan to watch at least some games in a pub or bar, rising to 37% among Gen Z.

However, stay-at-home viewing is set to be the most popular choice this year due to later-than-normal kickoff times. Research indicates that 54% of UK adults plan to watch the tournament from the comfort of their sofas, spending an average of £80 per person on food, drinks, and takeaway convenience to recreate the stadium experience at home.

In fact, 21% are likely to spend more on takeaways during the World Cup. With more and more people ordering in for the matches, there’ll be a demand for delivery drivers. If you’re giving food delivery driving a go, our temporary courier insurance will keep you covered.

Whether you’re heading to a mate’s house for a barbecue or meeting the crew at your local, making sure you have a plan to get there and back safely is essential, so you can enjoy the match without stress.

Ditch the Taxi Queue and Nominate a Driver

With late-night finishes, getting home from a pub or a friend’s house can quickly turn into a headache. Public transport is often limited late at night, and waiting for an Uber in the freezing cold alongside hundreds of other fans is never fun.

During high-demand windows after major sporting events, ride-hailing apps rely heavily on dynamic pricing. Independent research published by The Guardian shows that these algorithms often drive up fares significantly for passengers when demand spikes, leaving you with a hefty bill just to get a few miles down the road.

This is where temporary cover acts as an absolute saviour. Instead of paying surge rates or waiting hours for a taxi, a much smarter, cheaper, and more reliable option is to pool together with your mates and nominate a designated driver. If you need to borrow a mate’s or family member’s car for the evening, you can easily arrange designated driver insurance to make sure everyone gets home safely.

It takes under two minutes to get sorted on the GoShorty app, giving you flexible cover that protects the vehicle owner’s no-claims bonus if anything goes wrong.

Beat the Last-Minute Rush

During the Euros, we noticed a major trend in how fans manage their insurance. On average, we saw a 10% increase in demand for temporary cover in the hour before kick-off.

This tells us that a lot of fans only realise they need to make travel or driving arrangements right as the pre-match build-up begins. Whether the last-minute demand is because of changes to plans or not being able to get an Uber in time, we’re happy to be able to help fans across the UK get to wherever they’re planning to watch the game thanks to instant insurance options.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Summer of Football

With a historically long 39-day tournament ahead, this World Cup is set to bring some unforgettable moments. By planning your transport ahead of time, coordinating with your mates, and keeping temporary cover in your back pocket, you can avoid the post-match travel chaos and focus on what really matters – the game.

Need to share the drive or borrow a car for the next match? Get a temporary car insurance quote in under two minutes and enjoy the summer of football with complete peace of mind.