WITH the World Cup about to begin, the city is already in the grips of football fever as pubs (and police) prepare for the tournament.
Many pubs in the city are showing the FIFA World Cup 2026 games while the emergency services are ready, including extra police patrols, especially if England advances into the later stages of the tournament.
Although most people drink responsibly, there are concerns about increases in domestic violence and disorder, which is why West Mercia has stepped up patrols during the World Cup which opens on Thursday. The matches will take place in the US, Mexico and Canada and many city pubs are already prepared for an increase in customers.
The first World Cup England games
For example, the Blackpole Inn is showing all the England matches with the first one being England Vs Croatia on Wednesday, June 17 followed by the games against Ghana on Tuesday, June 23 and Panama on Saturday, June 27.
Another popular destination is Mode Sports Bar & Grill in Angel Place, Worcester, is one of the city’s premier venues for watching live international football because it has multiple screens.
Many of the games are starting at 9pm and 10pm and some bars have applied for later opening during the tournament so they can show all the matches.
SAFE: Chief Inspector Dan Pilkington says there will be extra police patrols during the World Cup (Image: West Mercia Police)
Another pub showing the games is The New Chequers in Astwood Road, Worcester which has four large screens inside the pub and a late licence for the England games.
The pub, which reopened last July after a £300,000 refurbishment, is looking at introduce a large inflatable screen outside in the pub’s beer garden so customers can make the most of the warm weather. England bunting is already up in the pub and even some Three Lions-themed artwork by Miranda Collier.
Emma Lambert, one of the pub’s landladies, said: “We are expecting it to be really busy. We were even rammed just for the last Aston Villa game. You could not move. We love it. We can’t wait. We’re all getting geared up for it now. I would love for it to come home. I’m optimistic.”
READY: The New Chequers in Astwood Road, Worcester is one of the city pubs prepared for the England games (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
Chief Inspector Dan Pilkington of West Mercia Police said: “The World Cup is always a busy time in Worcester’s pubs and bars as football fans are filled with excitement and anticipation watching our nations’ teams, but we want everyone to remember their night out for all the right reasons.
“That’s why you can expect to see extra police officers patrolling the city centre while England and Scotland matches are on.
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“Even if you can’t see them, our officers will be there, keeping an eye out and helping keep the public safe, including our usual work with partner agencies.
“We can’t control the results, but everyone can play their part by knowing their limits of alcohol, watching out for their mates, and calling out any potentially criminal or antisocial behaviour.
HOME: New Chequers is geared up for the world cup (Image: Newsquest)
“We are aware too that, sadly, domestic violence can increase during major football tournaments such as this one and we want people to know support is out there if you are subjected to such behaviour in line with West Mercia Police’s commitment to prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
“So please enjoy the World Cup responsibly, and don’t let a single bad move be the reason your tournament ends early – know your limits and stay safe.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We have detailed plans in place to ensure we have the right number of ambulance crews on duty during the World Cup. For example, with many of the games not taking place until the evening, we will have more crews on duty into the evening and overnight.
“This plan will be dynamically assessed as the World Cup continues should England make it into the quarter finals. We will all be supporting our team as the competition progresses and hope everyone enjoys the festival of football safely.”
