Londoners exposed as Britain’s sneakiest World Cup fans
They sing the anthem, wear the shirt and swear loyalty to their home nation every four years. Yet behind closed doors, many football fans are keeping a second set of loyalties.
New research from Heathrow Express, the non-stop 15-minute service from Central London to Heathrow, reveals more than half of football fans (53%) admit they have a “second team” they support during major international football moments alongside their home nation.
The findings come as Heathrow Express launches a limited 30% discount from 1st June to mark this summer’s tournament.
For many fans, second-team support is something they keep under wraps – with more than a third (37%) confessing they have rooted for another country during a tournament without telling friends, family or colleagues. Almost one in three (32%) also admit they have pretended to support one team while quietly hoping another side wins.
For some fans, it’s less about supporting another nation and more about seeing rivals lose, with nearly two-thirds (63%) admitting they cheer for a team simply because they are playing against a rival country. Once their own team is out of the running, loyalties shift fast. More than half of fans (54%) admit switching allegiances or adopting a new side during a tournament.
Spain, Brazil and Scotland emerge as Britain’s favourite “secret second teams”, followed by Portugal, France and Italy.
The biggest attraction is style of play (29%), ahead of star players (26%) and underdog stories (22%), while 17% say they simply pick a team for the fun of it. Most supporters feel little guilt about their divided loyalties. More than a quarter (28%) say they are “not bothered” about backing another nation, while 17% believe it actually makes tournaments more enjoyable. Not everyone is entirely comfortable, though. One in ten (10%) admit it feels “sneaky”, while others describe feeling disloyal, conflicted or guilty.
For many fans, international football inspires more than just support from the sofa – it also fuels travel plans.
To mark this summer’s tournament, Heathrow Express is offering a limited two-week 30% discount from 1st June using the code JUNE30, inspired by the 30% of fans who say football has made them want to travel abroad.
Spain tops the list of countries fans most want to visit after watching them at international tournaments, with Brazil, France, Italy and Portugal also proving popular. Almost half of fans with a second team (45%) say they would consider travelling abroad if that nation reached the final, while one in eight supporters (12%) have already travelled overseas specifically to watch a match.
Even for fans staying closer to home, tournaments have a way of taking over daily life. More than eight in ten supporters (82%) admit watching matches in unusual places – including at work (30%), on public transport (18%), during parties or social events (16%), and even at the airport before a flight (10%).
The game also brings out fans’ superstitious side. More than half (56%) follow at least one matchday ritual, from wearing lucky shirts and sitting in the same spot to refusing to move while their team is playing well.
Full terms and conditions on the Heathrow Express website. Travellers can also save with Heathrow Express advance fares from £10 when booking at least 30 days ahead, while children aged 15 and under travel free with a paying adult.
Website: www.heathrowexpress.com
