Manchester has been named the busiest city in England for the upcoming World Cup opener, surpassing London and Liverpool, according to a new survey. An estimated 22 million people across the UK are planning to cheer on England as they face Croatia in Texas.
Survey Highlights
The survey, conducted by taxi and private hire firm Veezu, reveals that one in three Manchester residents plan to watch the match in a pub or fan zone. Sheffield follows closely with 32%, while Cardiff takes third place with over 30% of Welsh residents intending to watch England, though their support remains ambiguous.
Other Active Cities
- Southampton: 29%
- Leeds: 28%
- London: 27%
- Nottingham and Birmingham: 26% each
- Liverpool: 25%
With late kick-off times and extended pub hours, a quarter of supporters plan to soak up the party atmosphere at pubs or fan zones. One in five will watch at a friend's or relative's home, while just over half will stay home. However, almost two-thirds will venture out for at least one fixture, citing increased excitement due to the return to a traditional summer tournament.
Optimism Among Younger Fans
Four in 10 respondents believe England will win the World Cup, with Millennials (60%) and Gen Z (56%) most optimistic, compared to only 27% of those aged 55 and over. If England triumphs, 40% would prefer to celebrate away from home, with 22% choosing the pub as their ideal venue.
Community Spirit
The tournament is seen as a social occasion, with a quarter looking forward to spending time with family and friends. Three in 10 anticipate a surge in community spirit, and one in five are excited about the electric atmosphere in pubs. Sally Krouma, Veezu spokesperson, said: "The tournament has always been about more than football, it's about bringing people together. Whether you're a fan or not, the sense of togetherness the games bring can be celebrated by everyone."
