Drink-driving offences peaked during last World Cup period, new data reveals
Drink-driving offences in England reached a five-year high during the last World Cup, according to new research.
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New Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained by us here at cinch found that 2,193 drink-driving offences were recorded by 21 English police forces between 20 November and 18 December 2022, covering the full Qatar World Cup period.
The figure was the highest recorded across the equivalent dates between 2021 and 2025, sitting 15% higher than in 2023 and 11% above the average of the four non-World Cup years analysed.
The findings come as millions of fans tune in to this year’s World Cup, with drivers warned that tournament celebrations can quickly become risky if drinking isn’t planned around travel.
So, whether you're driving an Audi, BMW, Ford or other used car, make sure you take precautions to avoid drink-driving.
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Drink-driving offences were highest during the 2022 World Cup
Across the 21 English police forces that provided comparable figures for the period from 20 November to 18 December, drink-driving offences totalled:
2021: 2,152 offences
2022: 2,193 offences (Qatar World Cup)
2023: 1,910 offences
2024: 1,871 offences
2025: 1,956 offences
The data includes offences relating to driving, attempting to drive, or being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit.
The figures show drink-driving offences were at their highest during the 2022 World Cup, with the total exceeding that of every other comparable date range in the five-year analysis.
Morning-after offences rose during England’s 2022 World Cup run
The data also points to the danger of driving the morning after drinking during major tournaments.
Across English police forces that provided daily data, drink-driving offences on the day after England fixtures during the 2022 World Cup averaged 78.6 per day.
That compares with 62.2 offences per day on days that weren’t the day of or the day after an England game, meaning offences were around 26% higher the day after England played.
The highest single-day total during the World Cup period came on 26 November 2022, the day after England’s group-stage match against the USA, when 126 drink-driving offences were recorded.
The biggest England matchday-and-following-day spike came across the weekend of England’s quarter-final defeat to France, when 94 offences were recorded on matchday, and a further 108 offences were recorded the following day.
Euro 2024 data shows a similar matchday pattern
A separate look at Euro 2024 data also suggests that England's tournament fixtures can create higher-risk periods for drink-driving.
Across English police forces that provided daily data, drink-driving offences averaged 71 per day on England matchdays during Euro 2024, compared with 54.7 on non-matchdays - around 30% higher.
The highest daily total of the Euro 2024 period came on 14 July 2024, the day of the England vs. Spain final, when 100 drink-driving offences were recorded across responding English police forces.
Drivers warned about the “morning after” risk
Ben Welham, our motoring expert, said: “Planning ahead is important for anyone wanting to drink alcohol while watching the World Cup. If you know you’re going to drink, make sure you have a safe way to get home, whether you arrange a lift, book a taxi or use public transport.
“Alcohol can affect reaction times, judgement and concentration behind the wheel, even if you don’t feel drunk. The morning after should also be taken seriously, as alcohol can remain in your system for longer than many people expect.
“That means drivers need to leave enough time after drinking before getting behind the wheel. If there’s any doubt, the safest option is not to drive. Sleep, coffee, or a big breakfast won’t make you safe or legal to get behind the wheel.”
Nottinghamshire recorded the highest number of offences during the last World Cup
The figures also reveal clear regional differences during the 2022 World Cup period. Nottinghamshire Police recorded the highest number of drink-driving offences during the tournament window, with 412 offences between 20 November and 18 December 2022.
That was higher than Nottinghamshire recorded across the same dates in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and around 33% above its average across the four non-World Cup comparison years.
West Midlands Police recorded the sharpest proportional increase among comparable English forces, with 75 offences during the 2022 World Cup period, compared with an average of 44.5 across the other comparable years - a rise of around 69%.
Cumbria Constabulary also saw a notable increase, with 65 offences during the World Cup period, around 58% higher than its non-tournament average for the same dates.
English police forces that recorded the most drink-driving offences during the 2022 World Cup:
Nottinghamshire Police: 412 offences
Metropolitan Police Service: 373 offences
Greater Manchester Police: 206 offences
Sussex Police: 109 offences
Cheshire Constabulary: 100 offences
Northamptonshire Police: 99 offences
Merseyside Police: 98 offences
Cambridgeshire Constabulary: 95 offences
West Mercia Police: 91 offences
Surrey Police: 76 offences
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