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(AsiaGameHub) –  

• Most Anticipated Final: England vs. Spain (33%)
• Squad Confidence: 60% believe the current team surpasses previous ones
• Tournament Format Doubts: 54% of critics believe the 48-team format prioritizes profit over sporting quality
• Late-Night Viewers: 75% of younger fans will watch England’s matches after midnight

New research from Flashscore, a leading global provider of live sports information, indicates a significant rise in optimism among UK sports fans regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite potential logistical hurdles and a revised tournament structure, almost half of the UK population anticipates England will advance far into the competition.

The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK sports fans, revealed that 47% predict England will reach the final. A highly anticipated final matchup between England and Spain was favored by 33% of respondents.

Confidence in the Squad: This optimism is fueled by a high regard for the current national team. Over 60% of fans believe the present England squad is superior to those in previous World Cups, with 23.3% rating it as “much higher.” Fans highlighted the experience of key players as the team’s main strength, although concerns about injuries and player fatigue persist.

Generational Divide on Format Changes: However, the research also highlights distinct differences in opinion regarding some of the most significant alterations for the 2026 tournament.

The decision to have multiple host nations—the USA, Canada, and Mexico—is particularly divisive. While over half of younger fans support this change, only 22% of those aged 55 and above are in favor. More than half (51%) of UK fans who view this decision negatively cite increased costs for supporters as a primary concern.

Similarly, the expansion to a 48-team tournament divides opinion along generational lines. While 66% of 18-24-year-olds support the change, 44% of those over 55 believe it is a poor decision.

The majority of UK fans who consider the expanded format to be a negative development believe the expansion has been driven primarily by commercial interests, rather than by a desire to enhance the quality of the competition.

Midnight Matches and Fan Loyalty: The 2026 tournament will feature unconventional kick-off times for viewers in the UK, but younger fans are prepared to adapt. Over 75% of 18–34-year-olds stated they “definitely” or “probably” will watch England matches live, even if they commence after midnight. This figure drops to 17% among those aged 55 and older.

The survey also confirms that while national pride is strong, club football remains the primary focus of daily engagement. The England national team is ranked as the sixth most popular “team” in the UK, falling behind several Premier League clubs. Nevertheless, individual players remain iconic: captain Harry Kane leads the list of favorite male players, followed by Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Jude Bellingham.

Despite the increasing prominence of the European Championships, 58% of UK fans believe the World Cup offers a higher overall standard of football, compared to just 10% who prefer the Euros. Interest in the tournament is already high, with 60.1% of men and 53.2% of women planning to follow the competition “extremely closely.”

View the full survey here: World Cup Survey 2026 UK