Brits with ‘home stadium fever’ spend millions to watch the World Cup in style

More than 15 million have invested in home improvements such as larger televisions, enhanced sound systems and faster broadband just to watch the World Cup

As England fans prepare for a World Cup taking place more than 3,000 miles away, many are working to recreate a stadium atmosphere in the comfort of their own homes.

New research suggests millions of people have upgraded their TVs, broadband and living rooms ahead of the tournament, which is being held across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

According to the findings, 28% of people in the UK – which would amount to more than 15 million – have invested in home improvements such as larger televisions, enhanced sound systems and faster broadband.

Around 11 million are rearranging their living room layouts, while almost five million have bought extra seating to make their homes match day ready, suggests research from leading consumer electronics brand and official partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Hisense.

But the biggest concern for viewers is not England being knocked out of the World Cup, it’s losing connectivity. The survey found that far more people fear a TV or streaming failure (38%) than an England defeat (8%).

Howard Grindrod, Vice President at Hisense UK, said: “TVs are set to play a bigger role than ever in this year’s World Cup, with many UK households opting to watch from home due to late kick‑off times. We’ve seen strong initial demand already and anticipate a significant uplift in TV sales during the tournament, reflecting a shift in how viewers are upgrading their home set‑ups to enjoy major sporting moments.

“Demand for larger screens and sharper picture quality is being driven by a new standard in home viewing. With more advanced technology available than ever, customers are investing in long‑term upgrades that deliver a stadium‑level experience from the comfort of their own home.”