English workers are expected to leave their posts early on Wednesday to watch the national team's first knockout match in the World Cup, with analysts dubbing the day 'Bunk Off Wednesday.' The match between England and DR Congo is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. local time, and millions are anticipated to tune in, potentially leading to a significant economic impact.
An estimated 28 million pints are expected to be consumed, with viewing figures projected at 15 million. This is anticipated to be the largest teatime television audience in five years. Hospitality industry leaders have welcomed the prospect of a substantial boost to their revenue. Pubs across Britain have had their late licenses extended to 1 a.m. to accommodate the match, which could see England advance to a Round of 16 clash against Mexico next Monday.
The match's timing in Atlanta, USA, where it begins at 12 noon local time, has caused rush hour in the UK to shift to around 3 p.m. High streets and train stations are expected to be quieter than usual during the game. Experts also predict a potential increase in staff absences on Thursday due to hangovers.
Alan Price, CEO of BrightHR, which monitors employee absence, noted a slowdown in work from mid-afternoon as employees leave early. He also anticipates a rise in sickness absences on the following day. A third of England's workforce missing an hour of work, either by leaving early or watching on phones, could cost the economy an estimated £208 million, based on Office for National Statistics daily productivity data. Pubs are expected to sell 14 million pints, an increase of 4 million above normal, with another 14 million expected to be consumed at home. Andy Tighe, chief strategy officer for the British Beer and Pub Association, forecast a positive evening for the hospitality sector.
Approximately 15 million people are expected to watch the match on BBC and iPlayer, a viewership level not seen at that time of day since England's victory over Germany in the Euro 2020 Championship. BBC iPlayer may set a streaming record as viewers watch on mobile devices during their commute. This is also the first match of the tournament to conclude before children's usual bedtime.
Spending related to the game is estimated to reach £222 million, with £157 million for food and drink at home and £65 million in pubs, according to a GlobalData Retail study for VoucherCodes.co.uk. Clair Hughes of VoucherCodes.co.uk stated that fans are spending more due to rising excitement.
However, Wimbledon tennis officials have banned screenings of the match, with any spectators attempting to watch on their phones potentially facing ejection. The All England Club will show tennis on all its screens, and umpires have been instructed to address any noise from fans cheering the football. An All England Club spokesperson confirmed that their screens would be dedicated to tennis.
England secured their spot in the knockout stage by topping Group L with two wins and a draw, following an initial 4-2 victory over Croatia, a goalless draw with Ghana, and a 2-0 win against Panama. Captain Harry Kane has scored three goals in the tournament, surpassing Gary Lineker as England's top World Cup finals scorer with 11 goals. Venues like BOXPARK have seen large gatherings of fans, with former England player Paul Gascoigne attending a screening. BOX has also offered a free year's supply of beer to anyone willing to legally change their name to Harry Kane.