Tens of thousands of Londoners were clocking off early to head to the pub to watch England in their first knock-out game of the 2026 World Cup. Some offices and other workplaces were eerily quiet as the nation prepared for Harry Kane’s team to take on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Many workers had quietly slipped out for the Three Lions’ round of 32 clash in Atlanta which kicks off at 5pm UK time. England fans were making the most of the only game that the Three Lions will have faced in the World Cup that falls during the typical working day.
Fans Joke About Doctor's Appointments with 'Dr Congo'
A group of guys, nursing pints in the smoking area of Wetherspoons, near Liverpool Street, had knocked off early from their City jobs to sink a couple of pre-match pints before England's big game. "I've done a bit of work this morning and I'm off this afternoon on the sly," one admitted, raising his second pint. He was technically still on the clock.
"I'm still working," another laughed. "But you can work from anywhere now, so it doesn't mean you have to be at home." Asked whether workers should be allowed to leave early for England's big matches, one didn't hesitate to say: "I'd rather be jobless than miss an England game." "There'll be a few bosses out there who won't let you leave until bang on five, and that's not me," he added. "It could be monumental if we win today."
As for anyone stuck in the office while the rest of the country settles in front of the television? "Hand in your notice," one joked. His mate had a slightly less drastic suggestion: "Call in sick."
Around the corner, The Standard found another group of lads enjoying a few pre-match drinks outside the Commercial Tavern, one proudly wearing an England shirt. Two of the group, Romesh and David, were happy to be filmed. Their friend, however, quickly stepped out of shot as he wasn't supposed to be in the pub. Asked whether they'd taken the afternoon off, David said: "We've got doctor's appointments." Who was the appointment with? "Dr Congo," came the reply.
Employers Accommodate Flexible Hours
Another group had escaped the office with their boss for a few lunchtime drinks before England's match. Sitting outside Liverpool St station they said they would be "heading back briefly" for a sales meeting before returning to the pub, where they already had a room booked to carry on where they left off.
Some employers are allowing staff to work flexible hours, closing early or bringing TVs into workplaces ahead of the 5pm kick-off. But the boss of an HR solution firm still expects there to be a rise in sickness on Wednesday and Thursday. Alan Price, chief executive of BrightHR, which provides HR software and advice and works with 68,000 small businesses in the UK, said they have already seen a 5% increase in employees that have booked time off from their systems. Mr Price also said he thinks there will be an increase in workers calling in sick, adding he believes there will be more sick calls on Thursday rather than Wednesday.
Pubs Expect Massive Surge in Trade
Pubs across London were expecting a massive surge in trade. "England’s run in the tournament has already given Britain’s pubs a great boost, with sales up as much as 77% on matchdays," said Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality. "Apart from the stadium itself, the best place to watch the World Cup is in the pub and London has some of the best." A spokesperson for London-based pub and hotel operator Fuller, Smith & Turner said: "A 5pm kick off is great for pubs, especially those that are close to places of work, and we are geared up with large screens, clear sound, cold drinks and a brilliant atmosphere."
Four million extra pints are set to be poured on Wednesday, which would be a £20 million boost to pubs across the UK, according to estimates from the British Beer and Pub Association. Andy Tighe, chief strategy officer at the British Beer and Pub Association, said the game will be "a welcome boost to trade." "We’re very excited, it’s a great time, and because it’s the first knockout round as well it’s make or break, so there’s a lot riding on it," he added.
Some England fans have already gambled on booking flights and hotels for a potential World Cup last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico at the daunting Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Mexico brushed aside Ecuador 2-0 in their last-32 World Cup tie.
