For the 2026 World Cup, Daniel Thwaites pubs across the country are giving away cash prizes for punters who simply head in to watch the match. The equivalent of £10,000 will be given away in prizes.
Until 19 July, anyone who visits a participating Thwaites pub will be given a red card at half time during the match they’re watching, which will have a unique QR code which guests can scan to win. By inputting their details, guests will be entered into the draw. Each week of the competition, £1,000 will be given away, and a grand prize of £5,000 will be drawn after the competition ends. 135 Thwaites pubs have opted to be involved in the campaign, in a variety of areas like Sheffield, Oldham, Solihull and Blackpool, to name only a few.
Andrew Buchanan, director of pubs and brewing at Thwaites, said, “We’re really excited to launch this – it’s never been easier for our guests to win big. There’s no cap on how many times a guest can enter, so the more matches that they watch in our pubs, the more chance they have of winning. It’s that simple.”
Thwaites launched a similar campaign back in 2024 for the Euros, which was well received. Off the back of the success, they have re-invented the initiative for this years’ major sporting event.
Andrew added, “This is a tried and tested model that we know works for us as well as resonates with our customers. This campaign is set to give our beloved pubs a boost in trade, as well as encourage people to get together, socialise and unite over sport.”
The giveaway isn’t the only way the Lancashire-based brewers are supporting the World Cup. They have also launched an exclusive beer to mark the special occasion named Magic Sponge, which punters will be able to enjoy in their Thwaites local pub during the matches.
Thwaites have said the inspiration for the beer branding comes from a traditional method used by first-aiders and physios on the pitch to treat injured footballers, a soaked sponge in an ice-cold bucket.
Andrew said, “For nearly 220 years now, we have been backing, supporting, defending and advocating for our country’s pubs. They’re not only an integral part of England’s history, but also a key player in our nation’s tourism and economy. If launching campaigns like this means we can continue to feed the flame that highlights the importance of pubs, we will forever do so.”
A full list of pubs involved can be viewed online here. From its origins as a regional brewer established in 1807 with just 10 public houses, Thwaites has evolved into a collection of over 223 award-winning pubs, hotels and spas, and inns spanning England.
To find out more about Thwaites and its history, pubs, inns or hotels and spas, click here.
