World Cup boost: Football fans show greater confidence in buying used cars

Those watching the World Cup are more confident car buyers, finds Cazoo research

• Those following the World Cup closely are 19% more likely to be a confident car buyer
• These football fans are more likely to be the vehicle purchase decision maker, and have higher spending power than the average consumer

London, 10th July 2026: Those closely following the 2026 World Cup have the highest confidence when buying a used car, according to new research from Cazoo.

The research polled the views of 1001 used car buyers, revealing that 87% are watching the world football event either casually (45%) or following it closely (42%).

Consumer confidence is highest for those watching the World Cup closely. Over half (51%) say they feel more confident buying a car than a month ago, compared to 43% of all car buyers surveyed. This reflects a 19% higher confidence rating versus all buyers surveyed.

This also extends to purchasing power, with two thirds of World Cup fans (62%) saying they are likely to spend more on their next vehicle, compared to just over half (54%) of average consumers.

Who is the World Cup buyer?

The research also identified a distinct buyer profile among those following the tournament closely:

• 67% Male, 33% Female
• 58% under the age of 45
• 38% under the age of 35
• 72% are the primary household decision maker when buying a vehicle

Fuel preference for World Cup fans

These football fans are also more likely to opt for an electric or hybrid vehicle (57%) over an ICE alternative (43%).

Lucy Tugby, Chief Marketing Officer of Cazoo, said:“Major sporting events don't just change what people are watching – they can also influence who's actively in the market to buy. Our research suggests that World Cup followers are not only more confident buyers, but also more likely to be making the purchasing decision and prepared to spend more.

Buyers might be fitting their car search around watching the footie, but there’s a clear trend between those watching it and those confidently buying cars. We expect this trend to continue and influence demand over the coming weeks. With England on a winning streak, spirits are high and confidence is up - keep the wins coming!”

Research was conducted in July by Insight Advantage, the independent market researcher.

ENDS

About MOTORS Consumer Insight Panel
Research for this MOTORS Consumer Insight Panel was conducted by Insight Advantage, the independent market researcher, from 7-8 July 2026. The sample consisted of 1,001 adults who are sole or joint decision makers when buying a car.

Further details available from Lucy Tugby on lucy.tugby@motors.co.uk

About Cazoo
Cazoo is the UK automotive marketplace reshaping how dealers and buyers connect, built on trust, real value and true partnership with the trade. With more than 300,000 listings, the platform pairs a high-quality consumer search experience with a fairer, more sustainable commercial model for dealers, designed to deliver consistent demand and support long-term growth.

Drawing on more than 20 years of marketplace expertise developed through the Motors business, Cazoo was transformed into a marketplace following the acquisition of the brand in June 2024 by Motors.co.uk Limited.

In May 2026 Motors was rebranded as Cazoo, positioning itself as a credible alternative marketplace for buyers and dealers.

Cazoo is owned by O3 Industries and Novum Capital. For more information, visit https://dealer.cazoo.co.uk