Talkmobile’s latest research suggests the average England fan will miss 11 goals during the 2026 World Cup because of phone use. The study,which examined scrolling habits across age groups, predicts that even if fans watch every match, their attention will be split. As a result, supporters could lose nearly an entire game’s worth of England action.

Talkmobile predicts England fans will miss 11 goals in 2026 WC

According to the phone network’s analysis, the figure of 11 missed goals assumes fans watch all 104 tournament matches, including late‑night fixtures.. the calculation builds on the network’s finding that fans typically miss four goals per season due to checking phones, then scales it up for the expanded 48‑team format.

Gen Z miss five goals per season, Boomers three, study shows

The research breaks down missed goals by generation, noting that 18‑ to 29‑year‑olds lose an average of five scores each season, while those aged 60‑78 miss three. This generational gap highlights younger fans’ higher propensity to scroll during play, a trend that could amplify the overall 11‑goal miss count at the upcoming tournament.

Extended 48‑team format could push total goals past 200, raising missed action

The 2026 World Cup will feature 40 extra matches compared with the 2022 Qatar edition, which saw a record 172 goals.. Analysts expect the goal tally to exceed 200, meaning each missed moment represents a larger share of the overall excitement. Talkmobile’s maths suggest fans could miss 29 minutes of every match, adding up to 87 minutes of England play across the first three group games – almost a full 90‑minute fixture .

Fans spend 29 minutes per match on phones, losing 87 minutes in group stage

Talkmobile’s data indicate that supporters check their devices for an average of 29 minutes per game, often during “slow periods” or injury breaks . More than half of respondents admit to looking at their phones within minutes of a goal to gauge reactions, while one in ten scroll through social feeds during lengthy VAR reviews.

Will fans actually put phones down during key moments?

The study leaves open whether the warning will change behaviour. Talkmobile spokesperson Duncan Knight urged fans to keep phones in their pockets, but the report does not measure any post‑campaign shift in usage.. It also does not account for fans who may watch on larger screens or follow live commentary without a device.