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John Barnes and Mark Thorburn standing back to back, outside in front of The Endbutt in Liverpool. John is wearing an England football shirt and holding the English flag, Mark is wearing a Scotland shirt and holding the Scottish flag.

Greene King Launches Nationwide Search for ‘Second Team’ Superfans

  • 34 million Brits (48%) back more than one nation when watching major tournaments.
  • More than half (53%) adopt a second team when their home nation is knocked out, fuelled by the atmosphere of watching sport in the pub.
  • Greene King is rewarding the nation’s biggest Second Team Superfan with complimentary food and drinks throughout the tournament.

18 June, London: Football fans across the country are being encouraged to support their second teams loud and proud this summer, as new research finds that the majority of football fans (53%) will get behind another nation if their home side, England or Scotland, is knocked out.

The search for ‘Second Team Superfans’ comes as new research from Greene King reveals Britain has become a nation of second-team supporters, with nearly half (48%) of Brits admitting that they back more than one country during major tournament viewing occasions, rising to two-thirds (68%) among 25–34-year-olds.

The research by Greene King also found:

  • One in ten football fans (10%) will be cheering on Brazil this summer, making it one of Britain's front-running adopted teams.
  • Nearly a quarter of fans (23%) say having friends or fellow supporters backing a certain nation is the biggest reason they choose a second team.
  • One in five supporters (20%) say watching matches socially in pubs and bars helps keep them invested in their adopted nation throughout the tournament.

As millions of fans are expected to adopt a second team this summer, Greene King believes it's time Britain's unofficial supporters got the recognition they deserve.

As part of Greene King’s 'Don't Try This At Home' campaign, one lucky Second Team Superfan will receive a £250 gift card to enjoy food and drink in a variety of Greene King’s pubs while cheering on any of the games, as well as a team shirt from their chosen second nation, plus an official retro football shirt signed by England legend John Barnes. Whether it's following friends, backing an underdog or simply wanting another reason to celebrate, Greene King is inviting football fans across the country to embrace their second-team status and apply for what could be the summer's dream scheme.

To enter, fans can visit www.greeneking.co.uk/live-sport/football/world-cup/competition and tell Greene King which nation they will be backing this summer.*

Andrew Gallagher, Brand and Marketing Director at Greene King said: “Football is all about passion, camaraderie and backing the game you love – and celebrating the world’s game in the nation’s pub brings that spirit to life. This incentive rewards fans for keeping the excitement alive throughout the tournament, even if their original pick falls short. With the chance to enjoy the action alongside fellow supporters, free food and drink throughout the tournament, a shirt from your adopted nation and a signed retro football shirt from England legend John Barnes, it’s the perfect excuse to stay involved right through to the final whistle.”

*Promotion closes at 23:59 on 24/06/26.