World Cup Performance Index
Is it coming home?
How England's on-pitch performance could affect your off-pitch performance
The World Cup is officially here. That means bucket hats, beer gardens, and an inexplicable belief that this time it's actually coming home. As more of us catch World Cup fever and start to get our hopes up, it also means a lot of big nights out down the pub.
But there's something nobody's talking about.
For every Bellingham winner, every Kane hat-trick and every penalty that sends the pub into chaos, there's a conversation nobody's having the morning after. The link between a big England night and what happens in the bedroom is well-documented, clinically proven, and almost entirely ignored.
For every goal that goes in, another round gets ordered. For every round that gets ordered, the average pub-going fan gets closer to the NHS binge drinking threshold, and the point at which the risk of alcohol-related erectile dysfunction becomes significantly elevated.
It's not just one big night.
With England's group stage fixtures coming thick and fast, many men will find themselves exceeding the NHS-recommended weekly limit of 14 units before the knockout rounds have even begun. And sustained drinking above that threshold increases the risk of ED significantly.
It's already happening.
Before England have played a single minute of World Cup football, 6,600 men in the UK searched for erectile dysfunction treatment this month alone, which is already 5% more than this time last year. When the Euros took place in 2024, searches for ED treatment spiked by 15% from the opening day of the tournament to the day after the final, 31 days later.
At Chemist4U this has led to a 417% YoY increase in sales of erectile dysfunction treatments, alongside a 300% jump in sales MoM.
So we built the World Cup xED 'Performance' Index.
To help pint-happy Brits better understand the effect of their football celebrations on their bedroom performance, we created the xED 'Performance' Index. Why? Because the link between alcohol and sexual health affects millions of men, and almost nobody talks about it. And if a football stat is what it takes to change that, we'll take it.
Think of it like xED like xG, the classic metric which measures the quality of a goal-scoring opportunity. A high xG means a good chance of a goal, but a low xG means the keeper probably had it covered. Chemist4U's xED score works the same way. But instead of measuring the probability of a goal, it measures the probability that you might have hit the crossbar yourself last night. The more England score, the more we celebrate. The more we celebrate, the more we drink. And the more we drink, the higher your xED score climbs. We'll keep the index updated after every match. So whether England scraped through on penalties or smashed it, you'll know exactly where the nation's xED stands, and what that means for you.
This conversation is long overdue.
Erectile dysfunction affects around 4.3 million men in the UK. Yet, as discussed by Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive at the Urology Foundation, "There is still so much stigma and avoidance around erectile dysfunction". The World Cup gives us a moment to change that. A shared experience that touches countless men in the country, but where the health implications of heavy drinking are rarely part of the conversation.
ED shouldn't be a secret. And it shouldn't go untreated when effective help is closer than most men think.
World Cup xED 'Performance' Index
Tracking how England's tournament run is affecting men's sexual health - updated after every match.
xED tracks one simple thing: how likely is it that England's result just ruined your sex life.
Risk zone key
Tournament stats
The World Cup xED 'Performance' Index and Individual xED calculator are directional tools designed to raise awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and erectile dysfunction. They are not clinical measures and do not constitute medical advice.
xED scores, whether tournament-level or via the individual calculator, are estimates based on published data and NHS clinical thresholds. They reflect population-level risk patterns, not individual health assessments. The xED score is not a diagnosis.
If you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Chemist4U's online consultation service connects you with a GPhC-registered clinician who can provide appropriate, personalised guidance.
Your individual score
What's your xED score?
Enter how many pints you drank last night and we'll calculate your individual xED score.
xED Score = pints consumed × 2.3 units ÷ 8. Explore the Methodology.
The World Cup xED 'Performance' Index and Individual xED calculator are directional tools designed to raise awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and erectile dysfunction. They are not clinical measures and do not constitute medical advice.
xED scores, whether tournament-level or via the individual calculator, are estimates based on published data and NHS clinical thresholds. They reflect population-level risk patterns, not individual health assessments. The xED score is not a diagnosis.
If you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Chemist4U's online consultation service connects you with a GPhC-registered clinician who can provide appropriate, personalised guidance.
Our pharmacists' pre-match analysis
"Most men know that too much alcohol leaves you feeling rough the next morning, but fewer realise it can affect their sex life too. Alcohol is a depressant. What that means in practice is that it interferes with the signals your body needs in order to get and maintain an erection. The more you drink in a single session, the greater that interference.
Tournament football and heavy drinking often go hand in hand. And the clinical evidence is clear that a heavy drinking session is enough to cause real problems in the bedroom. It's not a long-term condition; it's your body responding to what you've put in it.
The good news is that it's also very easy to get help, without it being a big deal. And while taking that first step is the hardest part, there's a range of treatments available when you're ready."
World Cup 2026: match-by-match breakdown
xED score will be updated following this match.
xED score will be updated following this match.
xED score will be updated following this match.
xED score will be updated following this match.
xED score will be updated following this match.
xED score will be updated following this match.
xED score will be updated following this match.
xED score will be updated following this match.
Understanding alcohol and erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that impacts a man's ability to achieve and/or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. To learn more, read our guide on the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Men in the UK are living with erectile dysfunction - but only 1 in 3 is seeking medical help. This campaign exists to change that.
Source: King's College London / BJU International
Men aged 25-34 suffer from erectile dysfunction in some capacity, making them the most vulnerable group out of all age ranges.
Source: British Association of Urological Surgeons
Cases of erectile dysfunction are directly linked to lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption, obesity and lack of exercise.
Source: British Association of Urological Surgeons
Men in the UK searched for erectile dysfunction treatment last month alone, before England have played a single minute of World Cup football. This is forecast to spike by a further 15% during the World Cup.
Source: Google Trends (via Exploding Topics)
What can you do about it
We know that talking about erectile dysfunction isn't easy. But if this year's World Cup can teach us anything, it's that big nights out have consequences, and the morning after a heavy session is one of the most common times men experience alcohol-related ED.
The good news is that alcohol-related ED is often temporary.
But if you're noticing that your xED feels permanently elevated, or that issues in the bedroom aren't just happening after big match nights, that's worth paying attention to. Persistent ED is incredibly common, very treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Erectile dysfunction pills are safe, extensively studied, and can get to work in as little as 15 minutes. Different treatments have different benefits, and we can help you find the best fit for your body. If you're out of form in the bedroom, they're worth exploring to see if they can help you get back to playing at your best.
The most common medical treatments for ED are PDE-5 inhibitors (medications that increase blood flow to the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection). Some, like Viagra Connect and Cialis Together, are available without a prescription. Others, including sildenafil and tadalafil, require a short online consultation. Chemist4U can take you through that process quickly and discreetly.
Not every solution comes in a blister pack. Vacuum pumps are a well-established, drug-free option that encourages blood flow and works for many men. Meanwhile, if your ED is caused by performance anxiety, stress, or relationship factors, speaking to a therapist or counsellor can be equally effective. In some cases, treating an underlying condition like diabetes or depression is enough to see significant improvement on its own.
Sometimes the most effective changes are the simplest. Reducing alcohol consumption, losing weight, stopping smoking and increasing exercise have all been shown to meaningfully improve erectile function. It's worth noting that if you're a keen cyclist, sustained pressure from the saddle can temporarily reduce blood flow and contribute to erectile dysfunction. A short break from the bike can sometimes make a bigger difference than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to have sex. Most people experience erection problems at some point - particularly if they've been drinking alcohol. You may have erectile dysfunction if you regularly struggle to get and keep an erection. A mild case may mean you can get an erection but struggle to maintain it. In more severe cases, you may be unable to get an erection at all.
To learn more about erectile dysfunction, read our guide, Everything you need to know about Erectile Dysfunction.
What is the World Cup xED 'Performance' Index?
The World Cup xED 'Performance' Index is a data-led tracker that measures how England's tournament run is affecting the nation's sexual health. Modelled on the football analytics concept of xG, which measures the probability of a shot resulting in a goal, the xED measures the probability that a match night's drinking could have resulted in UK men experiencing alcohol-related erectile dysfunction.
Updated after every England match, the Index uses BBPA drinking forecast data, NIQ historic pub attendance figures and the NHS binge drinking threshold to produce a score.
A score of 1.00 means the average pub-going fan has hit the clinical threshold above which alcohol-related ED becomes significantly more likely. The further England goes, the bigger the nights, and the higher the xED is likely to climb.
Is alcohol-related ED the same as regular ED?
Not quite, and the distinction matters.
Alcohol-related ED is typically temporary. When alcohol is present in significant quantities, it depresses the central nervous system and disrupts the signals the body needs to achieve and maintain an erection. Once the alcohol has cleared your system, normal function usually returns within a day or two. It's incredibly common, nothing to be embarrassed about, and not a sign that anything is permanently wrong.
Persistent ED is different. If you're regularly experiencing difficulty getting or maintaining an erection — not just after heavy drinking occasions but more broadly — that's worth taking seriously. Persistent ED can be caused by a range of physical and psychological factors and rarely resolves on its own without some form of intervention.
If symptoms are recurring outside of drinking occasions or you're concerned about an underlying health condition, we'd always recommend speaking to your GP or visiting a sexual health clinic.
When to seek help for erectile dysfunction
"It's important that you book in to see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic if your erection problems keep happening or they're causing distress to both you and your partner.
You'll likely get your results quicker at your local sexual health clinic, as many offer a walk-in service, meaning you won't need an appointment. At your appointment, the healthcare professional may ask you some simple health, lifestyle and relationship questions, in addition to what problems you're having.
They may also perform some basic health checks, like taking your blood pressure and examining your genitals to rule out an obvious cause. If you have additional symptoms like needing to pass urine more often, they may also wish to look at your prostate by performing a rectal examination. Blood and urine tests can also determine whether you have an underlying health condition like a hormone imbalance or diabetes, amongst others.
An ultrasound of the penis is useful to see if you have any blood flow problems that could be causing your erectile dysfunction."
Ian Budd, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U
How long does erectile dysfunction last?
If you've noticed performance issues, and it's alcohol-related, the answer is usually reassuring. Alcohol-induced ED is temporary - once your body has processed the alcohol and you've had time to recover, normal function typically returns within a day or two. So, if the World Cup is the reason your xED has been climbing lately, cutting back on the pints between matches is often all it takes to see things improve.
If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, or if you're experiencing difficulty getting or maintaining an erection regularly outside of heavy drinking occasions, it's worth taking it more seriously. Persistent ED is one of the most common and treatable men's health conditions in the UK, but it rarely resolves on its own without some form of intervention. The sooner you address it, the sooner it improves.
For many men, Chemist4U is the simplest first step, our online consultation takes just a few minutes and connects you directly with a GPhC-registered clinician who can recommend the right treatment for you.
Discreet, fast, and available now - start your consultation here. If symptoms are persistent or you're concerned about an underlying health condition, we'd always recommend speaking to your GP or visiting a sexual health clinic.
How the World Cup xED 'Performance' Index works
We took the BBPA's consumption forecast of 55 million extra pints, divided it by 2.5 million pub-going fans who plan to drink more than usual, converted it to units, and divided by 8, which is the point the NHS says your performance starts to suffer.
The BBPA estimates 55 million extra pints will be consumed nationally if England reach the World Cup final. This total is distributed across each round using NIQ's actual pub sales uplift data from Euro 2024 - group stage games produced a 25-44% uplift, the semi-final 48%, and the final 59%. Rounds without direct NIQ data (R32, R16, QF) are interpolated between the nearest evidenced figures. Later stages carry a proportionally greater share of the total, reflecting the real-world escalation in pub drinking as England advance.
NIQ data shows that nearly 10 million people plan to watch at least one World Cup game in a pub, bar or similar venue. Of those, 25% said they plan to drink more than usual during the tournament. This gives a denominator of 2.5 million fans - the audience most likely to significantly increase their consumption, and the group the xED score is calculated against.
A baseline of 3 pints per session is added, derived from the NHS statistic that the average drinking adult consumes 13.3 units per week. Assuming two pub visits per week produces a baseline of approximately 6.65 units per visit - equivalent to 2.9 pints, rounded to 3. This reflects what the average pub-going fan is already drinking before any tournament uplift is applied.
Total pints per person (baseline + tournament uplift) are converted to alcohol units using the NHS standard measure of 2.3 units per pint of standard lager.
Total units are divided by 8 - the NHS binge drinking threshold for men in a single session, above which alcohol-related erectile dysfunction becomes significantly more likely. xED = total units ÷ 8. A score of 1.00 means the average pub-going fan has reached the clinical threshold. Scores above 1.00 reflect consumption beyond it. There is no artificial ceiling - the score is an open decimal, consistent with how xG operates in football analytics.
xED = total units ÷ 8
where 8 = NHS binge drinking threshold for men (units per single session)
The World Cup xED 'Performance' Index and Individual xED calculator are directional tools designed to raise awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and erectile dysfunction. They are not clinical measures and do not constitute medical advice.
xED scores, whether tournament-level or via the individual calculator, are estimates based on published data and NHS clinical thresholds. They reflect population-level risk patterns, not individual health assessments. The xED score is not a diagnosis.
If you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Chemist4U's online consultation service connects you with a GPhC-registered clinician who can provide appropriate, personalised guidance.
Sources & References
British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA): Pubs countdown to World Cup (May 2026)
NIQ GO Technology Report: Game On: How Hospitality Can Win at the World Cup (June 2026)
NHS: Binge drinking threshold (October 2025)
NHS: Calculating alcohol units (August 2024)
Gov.uk: Chapter 12: Alcohol (September 2025)
Drinkaware: Is alcohol affecting your sex life? (April 2025)
King's College London / BJU International: The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction (July 2019)
Google Trends via Exploding Topics: 6,600 searches / 5% YOY increase / 15% Euro 2024 — Accurate as of 16/06/26
The World Cup xED 'Performance' Index and Individual xED calculator are directional tools designed to raise awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and erectile dysfunction. They are not clinical measures and do not constitute medical advice.
xED scores, whether tournament-level or via the individual calculator, are estimates based on published data and NHS clinical thresholds. They reflect population-level risk patterns, not individual health assessments. The xED score is not a diagnosis.
If you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Chemist4U's online consultation service connects you with a GPhC-registered clinician who can provide appropriate, personalised guidance.
