Pints, Penalties, and Powerchairs: Why I‘m Taking My Electric Wheelchair to the Pub for the World Cup Semi-Final
There’s something about a World Cup semi-final that demands to be watched in a crowded pub.
The collective gasp when a shot goes wide. The roar when your team scores. The bloke next to you who‘s been silent all night suddenly screaming at the referee as if he can hear him.
You don’t get that on your sofa.
So when the 2026 World Cup semi-final rolls around, I‘ve already made my decision: I’m going to the pub.
Not to watch. To be there.
And I‘m not going to let my powerchair stop me.
Step 1: Pick the Right Pub
Not all pubs are created equal.
Some have steps at the entrance. Some have narrow doorways. Some have tables packed so tightly you couldn’t fit a pint glass between them, let alone a powerchair.
But others get it right.
Wide entrances. Level access. Plenty of space to manoeuvre. Wheelchair-friendly tables.
My plan? Check AccessAble before I go. They‘ve surveyed thousands of pubs across the UK, so you can find out in advance if a place has step‑free access, wide enough doors, and accessible toilets.
It takes the guesswork out of going out – and saves you the embarrassment of arriving at a pub only to find you can’t get through the door.
Step 2: Charge Up and Roll Out
My electric wheelchair has a decent range, but I‘ll make sure it’s fully charged before I leave.
Why? The last thing you want is to run out of battery halfway through extra time and have to rely on someone pushing you home.
I‘ll also check the route beforehand – any steep hills, uneven pavements, or roadworks that might make the journey harder than it needs to be.
A bit of planning goes a long way.
Step 3: Find Your Spot
When I roll into the pub, I know it’ll be buzzing.
Flags draped over the bar. Shirts everywhere. The big screen already showing the warm‑up.
My goal? Find a spot with a clear view of the screen.
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Not too close to the bar (too crowded).
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Not too far back (can‘t see).
A table near the side, with enough room for my powerchair to sit comfortably without blocking anyone’s way.
The Match: 90 Minutes of Chaos
The game will be everything you‘d hope for from a World Cup semi‑final.
End‑to‑end football.
A controversial VAR decision that has half the pub shouting at the TV.
A goal that sends pints flying.
And through it all, no one will care about the wheelchair.
I’ll just be another fan, shouting at the screen, spilling my drink, celebrating with strangers.
The powerchair isn‘t a barrier – it’s just how I got there.
What I‘ve Learned (So You Don’t Have To)
If you‘re thinking about going to the pub to watch a big match, here’s what I‘d say:
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Check the pub in advance – Use AccessAble or call ahead. Ask about step‑free access, door width, and accessible toilets.
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Charge your battery – You don’t want to run out halfway through.
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Arrive early – Get a good spot before it gets packed.
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Don‘t overthink it – Most people are there for the football, not to stare at your chair.
The Verdict: Do It
Watching the World Cup semi‑final in a pub on my electric wheelchair will be one of the best football experiences I’ll have.
The atmosphere. The noise. The shared joy and heartbreak.
You just don‘t get that at home.
So if you’re hesitating because you‘re not sure if your powerchair will be welcome – don’t.
Find the right pub. Charge your battery. And go.
The football‘s better with a crowd.
And if your team wins? Well, that’s a whole different celebration.
🍻 Ready to Join the Crowd?
If you‘ve been thinking about getting out more – to the pub, the park, or just to feel the buzz of a big match with friends – but you’re held back because you don‘t have the right wheelchair yet, here’s the good news:
You don‘t have to wait months for an NHS appointment.
Verpal delivers lightweight, foldable electric wheelchairs straight to your door – in 1 to 3 days.
No long waits. No complicated paperwork. Just you, your powerchair, and the freedom to go where you want, when you want.
👉 Explore Verpal’s range at verpal.uk
👉 Questions? Contact us: service@verpal.uk
The semi-final won‘t wait. Neither should you.