Game Nation’s 24-hour venues are screening World Cup matches throughout the tournament, providing fans with an alternative to crowded pubs and home viewing. With kick-off times running into the early hours, the operator’s goal is to meet the demand from existing customers as well attract new visitors.
Game Nation’s 24-hour venues are responding to World Cup fever by throwing their doors open to customers seeking a comfortable alternative to watching games in either pubs and bars or at home. With 104 matches taking place in 16 host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, kick-offs range from late afternoon through to 5am UK time.
Expanding on the decision CEO Mark Jepp said: “Venue teams were approached by their customers to find out what the plans were in relation to the World Cup. Of course, we have been only too pleased to host our own Game Nation World Cup parties in pleasant, comfortable and hospitable surroundings.
“This World Cup is unlike any version of the tournament that has gone before. Hosted for the first time across three nations the North American time zones lend themselves to 24-hour venues. On the one hand the atmosphere and sense of occasion of international football matches are difficult to replicate at home but equally not everyone will want to purchase tickets to be in a packed pub and having to reserve spaces for the high profile matches in advance.
“Game Nation venues will be providing a happy medium and our venue teams are looking forward to welcoming fans – not just those supporting England or Scotland – but also from the other 46 nations represented in North America. AGCs are an important part of the night time economy and the World Cup will engage with large numbers of consumers who wouldn’t normally be out on weeknights. Our World Cup gatherings are an opportunity to cater for our existing customers but also to welcome people who may never have been in one of our venues.”
The World Cup represents an important boost to the leisure economy. According to the latest research from GlobalData football fans in the UK are expected to spend almost £900 million across hospitality venues more than double the £442 million generated during the 2022 tournament. A World Cup Spending Report, commissioned by VoucherCode, predicts £536 million will be spent on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with a further £361 million forecast to be spent on food.
Football’s coming home
Mark Jepp said… “AGCs are an important part of the night time economy and the World Cup will engage with large numbers of consumers who wouldn’t normally be out on weeknights. Our World Cup gatherings are an opportunity to cater for our existing customers but also to welcome people who may never have been in one of our venues…
Originally published on Coinslot on June 15, 2026. Republished with permission.