Three Lions set to roar as World Cup football fever hits county
Football fever is set to grip Lincolnshire as England kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign – and that means the beer will be flowing at pubs and sports bars across the county.
The Three Lions begin their Group L challenge against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17, with a 9pm kick-off, and pubs across the county are preparing for one of the biggest sporting nights of the summer. England's remaining group fixtures are against Ghana on June 23 (9pm) and Panama on June 27 (10pm).
With the tournament taking place across the USA, Canada and Mexico, late-evening kick-offs are expected to create a lively atmosphere in pubs and sports bars throughout Lincolnshire, with many venues planning extended coverage and special match-night promotions.
In Skegness, Churchills Wine & Sports Bar is expected to be one of the town's busiest venues as football fans gather to watch England's opening game. The Lumley pub is also a popular venue for football fixtures. Along the coast, other sports bars and pubs are also preparing for a bumper few weeks as supporters follow the Three Lions' progress.
In Boston, football supporters can enjoy the action at venues including The Kings Arms, The Railway Pub and The Eagle, while Horncastle fans can soak up the tournament atmosphere at Old Nicks Tavern.
Elsewhere in the county, pubs are getting into the spirit of the competition with big-screen coverage, sweepstakes, themed food offers and football promotions. The Sugar Mill in Bourne is advertising special World Cup burgers and family-friendly match screenings throughout the tournament.
Woodhall Spa's Three Crowns has also confirmed it will be screening World Cup fixtures, while football fans travelling further afield can enjoy dedicated World Cup events in Lincoln and North East Lincolnshire, including England's opener against Croatia on June 17.
Football fans in Sleaford won’t have to travel far to catch England’s World Cup action, with local pubs expected to be at the heart of the town’s match-night atmosphere.
While full fixture-by-fixture event listings are still being finalised, venues including the Jolly Scotchman are already being promoted as live sport destinations showing England’s World Cup matches, with big screens, food offers and a traditional matchday pub atmosphere expected across the tournament.
Elsewhere in town, Greene King venues are also expected to show all England fixtures, with operators encouraging early booking for key group-stage games as demand builds for evening kick-offs, particularly England’s opener against Croatia on June 17 at 9pm, followed by Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27.
The 2026 tournament is the biggest World Cup ever staged, featuring 48 teams and running through to the final on July 19. With England among the favourites and excitement building after strong qualifying performances, Lincolnshire pubs are expecting standing-room-only crowds for many of the key fixtures.
WORLD CUP DIARY DATES
Wednesday, June 17 England v Croatia, 9pm
Tuesday, June 23 England v Ghana, 9pm
Saturday, June 27 Panama v England, 10pm