A recent survey of 2,000 sports fans has uncovered the top 10 inappropriate locations where Brits secretly check football scores, with cinemas and weddings making the list. As the World Cup approaches, more than a quarter of fans admit to discreetly monitoring match updates in unsuitable settings, while a similar proportion have altered or cancelled plans to watch games live.
Common Locations for Secret Score Checks
The workplace remains the most popular spot for covert viewing, with 48% of respondents admitting to setting up a second screen at the office. However, other locations include the supermarket (30%), family dinners (29%), and even other live sports events (22%). Notably, 25% have checked scores during wedding speeches, and 17% have done so while on a date.
Fan Commitment to Live Sport
The study, commissioned by Motorola, found that 86% of fans consider staying connected to their team important, regardless of location. A quarter have changed or cancelled social plans to watch a game, and 40% struggle to concentrate on other activities when a sporting event is on. Football is the most streamed sport on mobile, with 62% saying nothing would stop them from watching their team in a final.
With the World Cup kicking off this summer, 35% admit the tournament will take priority over work and social commitments. While 21% plan to watch only their national side, 28% intend to view every match. Many fans will adjust their sleep schedules, with 28% staying up late and another 28% juggling late nights with early alarms.
Top 10 Places for Secret Score Checks
- At work/in the office
- In the supermarket
- During a family meal
- At another live sports event
- At the beach
- At a wedding
- During a birthday party
- At the gym
- Cinema
- In a public bathroom
Wilkin Lee, a spokesperson for Motorola, commented: "This highlights just how far fans will go to stay connected to the action, even if the timing couldn't be worse. Whether it's a quick score check or tuning in for a few minutes, people are determined not to miss the big moments when they're meant to be fully present elsewhere."
Motorola is the official smartphone partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026, global smartphone partner of Formula 1, and official partner of Ducati Corse. Lee added: "With a huge summer of sport ahead and so many matches kicking off outside of normal hours, fans are finding creative ways to stay on top of the scores. Having a reliable phone and a strong connection means they can keep up with the action wherever they are."
