Waitrose has announced extended on-demand grocery delivery hours for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to keep football fans stocked with snacks and essentials during late-night matches. The move comes as the tournament in North America means most games kick off at unusually late hours for UK viewers.
Extended Hours and Partnerships
Over the next four weeks, more than 50 Waitrose stores across England and Scotland will offer late-night deliveries through partnerships with Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. The service ensures customers can access quality fresh food and snacks throughout the night, from pizzas to full breakfast ingredients for the following morning.
Laura Burbedge, director of online for Waitrose, said: "Whether you're glued to the screen for a midnight thriller, need a snack to sustain you through a penalty shoot-out or up with the lark for a pre-dawn kick-off, footy fans will have everything they need at hand. We're making sure that whether you need a half-time pizza or a full breakfast spread to celebrate the final whistle, our delivery partners are on hand to keep your fridge stocked throughout the tournament."
Surge in Orders
Orders placed during England's opening match against Croatia last Wednesday and ahead of Scotland's fixture against Morocco on Friday evening surged by 17%, Waitrose revealed. The supermarket expects similar demand as the tournament progresses, particularly for tonight's match between England and Ghana, which kicks off at 9:00pm BST.
Alcoholic beverages will not be available during the extended delivery period, and branches will not be open for longer hours. The service is strictly for on-demand delivery via partner platforms.
Match Details
Tonight's England vs. Ghana match is a crucial Group L clash, following opening-match victories for both teams—England defeated Croatia 4-2, while Ghana secured a 1-0 win over Panama. The game will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website, with coverage starting at kick-off time.
