Nearly half of football fans (45%) plan to watch more of the World Cup from the comfort of their own home, rather than at the pub – with one in ten (11%) even buying a new TV or sound system for the tournament.
Almost a fifth (18%), of 2,000 adults polled, believe they have a better set-up to watch football at home than they would at the pub, with 24% deeming the boozer as too rowdy.
One in three would rather stay at home to watch the matches as it is cheaper than going out – while 14% said it is simply too cold outside.
And 43% of those planning to stay at home intend to invite friends and family over to watch the games – and stock up on snacks, to make it a proper viewing party.
Three-quarters of fans (74%) also want to improve their home viewing experience – by covering their home in flags, downloading Spotify playlists, and buying a personalised football t-shirt.
The study was commissioned by Toshiba TV, as the brand decided to surprise unknowing sports fan, Jack Moore, with a visit from former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, who gave a unique insight into his greatest England moments.
Jack, who lives in east London, was nominated by friends as the ultimate fan of the Swedish manager, who popped round to take in some footie and share his expertise.
Bart Kuijten, commercial director at Toshiba TV, said: “This winter football season will be like no other.
“We’ve become accustomed to packed fan parks and pub beer gardens during summer tournaments – but with colder days and darker nights, we can see fans choosing to plan watch parties at home instead.
“With a feast of international football on offer, fans are upgrading their TVs, installing smart doorbells to greet their friends, and even buying new furniture to make everyone comfortable.
“The football watch party is going to be the way to watch in the lead up to a Christmas final.”
The research also found almost one in five of those staying at home for games will do so because they’re less likely to have their view of the TV blocked than they would in a crowded pub.
And more than one in ten know they won’t be available at the exact time of kick-off, so they’re able to watch games on catch-up at their leisure – while 16% also deem it important to be able to rewind the game at crucial moments.
Fans will also enhance their World Cup experience by listening to football podcasts, and subscribing to sports channels.
Electronics maker Toshiba has created a quiz so you can find out what kind of football fan you are.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found a quarter (24%) of those eagerly anticipating watching the matches expect to watch all 64 games – while 49% plan to view more than half.
One in five hopeful fans are rooting for England to take home the trophy this year, while Brazil (8%), France (6%), and Germany (6%) are also at the top of footie enthusiasts prediction list.
Bart Kuijten, from Toshiba, added: “Our watch party with Sven was a great occasion for our lucky football fans.
“While a home visit from an international manager is a once in a lifetime experience, all football fans can make this tournament a special one from home.”
