With England’s first World Cup match just around the corner, millions of Brits are gearing up for a summer of football fever, new research from MoneySuperMarket* reveals that almost a quarter (23%) of Brits expect to rely on credit cards or borrowing to fund World Cup-related spending
The survey of UK adults revealed it won’t just be the beer leaving Brits with a hangover this summer, with more than one in five (22%) also concerned about the financial hangover following the tournament.
In response, MoneySuperMarket experts have shared key advice to help fans enjoy the fun without breaking the bank.
Over a quarter of Brits spend more impulsively on takeaways, alcohol and betting during football matches
Research by MoneySuperMarket found that one in five Brits plan to watch most matches in pubs, bars, fan zones, or public screenings over the summer. But whether spectating at home or away, over a quarter (26%) said they are likely to make impulse purchases such as takeaways, betting, or alcohol during games.
With this in mind, budgeting in advance could make a big difference to Brits’ wallets. When asked, only a quarter (26%) said they have been saving for World Cup-related spending this summer, meaning many could be putting serious pressure on their finances before the final whistle.
1 in 4 expect to rely on credit cards to manage World Cup spending
One in four (25%) Brits say they will cut back on spending in other areas to afford the celebrations.
A similar figure (23%) expect to rely on credit cards, while 21% say they may turn to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to fund their spending.
Kara Gammell, Personal Finance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, comments:
“The World Cup is a sporting highlight but all the excitement can mean spending can easily spiral.
“With our research showing over a quarter of Brits say they will cut back on spending in other areas to afford World Cup costs, what may start as ‘I’ll stay for one more’ can quickly put extra strain on your wallet.
“Similarly, a credit card can be a useful tool if you’re confident you can pay it off. But with many saying they’ll rely on credit cards to fund spending, if you don’t clear the balance each month, interest can quickly add up.
“Just a few simple tips can help you feel more in control of your finances, no matter what the final result is.”
Kara’s three top tips to stay in control of spending during the World Cup
- Setting a match budget in advance: “Our research shows that almost a quarter of Brits say they are more likely to spend impulsively on takeaways, betting or alcohol during football matches. If this sounds familiar, setting a budget in advance can help keep spending under control. Deciding on a fixed amount per game (e.g. £20–£30) and treating it like a “ticket price” for the night can make budgeting feel less restrictive, helping you factor in extra spending without ending up with a financial headache the next day.”
- Track spending: “Something as simple as checking your bank balance after each game can make managing your money less daunting and help you stay on top of your budget. By building these habits from the start of the tournament, you’ll be better placed to keep spending in check, reduce stress and prevent bigger shocks when the end of July rolls around.”
- Take advantage of deals: “Being smart with your money doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the football fun this summer. Getting clued up on match-day offers, happy hours or group drink deals can leave you with more money to spend and enjoy, without having to cut back in other areas.”
*Research conducted by Censuswide surveying 1,000 Brits in May 2026.
