Santander: Fans to spend thousands watching World Cup from Britain

Santander have said to expect Brits to fork out thousands to watch the Fifa World Cup from afar this month.

Research from the bank reveals that Brits will spend, on average, £630 on eating out and drinking over the 104-match tournament while it estimates over £200 will be spent on takeaways, the same on taxis, over £175 on public transport and more than £100 on kit and decorations.

It means Brits could spend more watching the tournament from home than it would cost to buy a ticket to an England match out in the United States.

Santander UK’s Gerry Davies said: “Football has a unique ability to bring people together, and this summer’s tournament looks set to be no different. Whether fans are watching from the stands or hosting friends at home, many will be spending more to make the experience one to remember.”

England have been blessed with relatively early kick-off times for their three group games – in Dallas, Boston and New Jersey. Two matches will kick off at 9pm with the third an hour later.

Scotland fans, however, have been hit with some later matches. Games against Morocco and Brazil will kick off at 11pm but their first match against Haiti will get underway at 2am BST.

It is hoped the World Cup can serve as a tonic for British boozers amid stinging tax hikes stemming from the Budget last autumn.

With the football getting underway at around 8pm each day and running through until 4am, there’s a lot of time for Brits to spend in their favourite haunts.

Added Davies: “For those following every group match, costs could top £230 before the knockout stages even begin and the further their team progresses, the more fans are looking to spend.”

The tournament gets underway on Thursday evening when Mexico takes on South Africa.