Post-match rush hour: Almost one in seven England fans set to hit the road after Norway clash as road closures loom

10 July 2026

• Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals that almost one in seven England fans (13%) are set to hit the road after the final whistle. *
• The member-owned business also found that nearly one in eight fans (11%) are set to be the designated driver on the way home.
• Almost an eighth (11%) say that their main concern about travelling home after the match is roadworks and motorway closures.
• National Highways is planning 83 road closures between 8pm on Saturday and 6am on Sunday. **
• Freedom of Information data obtained by the provider also reveals the traffic volume hotspots ***

England fans are being warned of a potential post-match rush hour following Saturday’s World Cup quarter final against Norway, with almost one in seven (13%) set to hit the road after the final whistle.

Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals that almost a third (31%) plan to watch the match away from home at pubs, fan zones, special viewing events or at the homes of friends and family. With many expected to begin their journeys home at a similar time after the final whistle, the roads could prove to be busy in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Of those watching the match away from their home, a fifth (20%) will be getting a taxi or private hire vehicle back, while more than one in 10 (11%) will be receiving a lift from a family member or friend.

Notably, almost one in eight England fans (11%) say that they are willing to be the designated driver for their friends and family after the match, but they may face busy roads, diversions and congestion while helping their loved ones get home safely.

Indeed, traffic disruption is already on supporters’ minds. Among those travelling home after the match, more than one in five (21%) say that their main concern about doing so would be traffic congestion, while the primary concern for one in seven (14%) is encountering roadworks and motorway closures.

The challenge for supporters heading home could be compounded by planned overnight roadworks. Analysis of National Highways’ road closure report shows 83 overnight road closures are planned across England’s strategic road network between 8pm on Saturday night and 6am on Sunday morning, including eight on the M60 alone.

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from National Highways shows that roadworks had been responsible for nearly nine in 10 motorway closures in 2025, accounting for 5,243 of the 6,036 motorway closures recorded across England’s strategic road network, which highlights the scale of roadworks that take place each year.

Moreover, additional data from National Highways reveals the country’s busiest routes on the network, where fans may face the most traffic, with the M1 southbound between Junctions 15 (Northampton) and 14 (Milton Keynes), recording the highest traffic volumes both in 2025 and so far in 2026.

This is ahead of the same stretch in the opposite direction, followed by the M25 anticlockwise between Junctions 9 (Leatherhead) and 8 (Reigate).

Road closures and congestion can lead to an increase in journey times and, therefore, tiredness among motorists, as well as potentially resulting in heightened stress or frustration, particularly late at night. This can impair driving performance and safety, which raises the risk of accidents and incidents occurring.

As such, Co-op Insurance is reminding fans driving back from watching the match to ensure they plan their journeys carefully, take regular breaks and carry out safety checks. For those who may be planning to have a drink, the member-owned business is encouraging them to make sure that they have a lift in place or confirm taxi arrangements in advance.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said:

“After a momentous victory over Mexico, England fans across the nation will be finalising plans for watching Saturday’s quarter final clash, with many looking forward to enjoying it at special viewing events, fan parks, and friends and family’s homes.

“However, the road network is expected to be busy during the early hours of Sunday morning, with many fans returning home from watching the match.

“Those driving home could also be impacted by 83 planned overnight road closures, causing diversions and leading to more congestion, particularly in hotspots for high traffic volumes.

“We’re therefore encouraging drivers to plan their journeys carefully before they set off, so that they can be prepared for any road closures, avoid rushed or panicked decisions and safely get themselves and those they care about home.”

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-ENDS-

Notes to the editor

Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance and carried out by Opinion Matters of 1,000 18+ adults in England who are watching the England v Norway game on Saturday.

• England v Panama viewing figures: 13.76 million

** Road closure report - National Highways

*** Freedom of Information data from National Highways.

For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by around 7.2 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.