**London Man Completes Unique World Cup Beer Challenge Amid Rising Costs**
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Gus Hully, a dedicated World Cup enthusiast from London, has taken fandom to a new level by purchasing a beer from each of the 48 nations participating in the 2026 tournament. Hully, who works as a music industry analyst, estimated his total expenditure at around £320 (approximately $400), highlighting the financial challenges associated with his quirky tradition.

In an exclusive interview, Hully explained his method of honouring each team’s journey in the tournament. With each elimination, he raised a toast by consuming one of the selected beers. “Turns out buying 48 beverages can be quite expensive,” he commented, adding that sourcing drinks from certain countries presented unexpected hurdles.
Hully recounted his struggles to find beer from Iraq, ultimately resorting to purchasing a non-alcoholic malt beverage from a contact in Poland. “I had to send about £32 to a guy in Poland who sent me a souvenir drink he had brought back from his travels a few years ago,” he shared. Despite the unique challenges posed by strict alcohol regulations in some regions, Hully persisted in his mission to sample a beer from each country represented at the World Cup.
This isn’t the first time Hully has attempted this ambitious project. He previously undertook a similar challenge during the 2010 World Cup but didn’t manage to capture the full assortment. “A friend of mine had a go back then but didn’t quite succeed, so I thought I’d take a stab at it. I tried and failed in 2014, but by the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, as well as the Women’s World Cups in 2019 and 2023, I had successfully completed the task,” he stated.
Hully’s adventurous palate has led him to discover some hidden gems among the beers he tried. He expressed particular enthusiasm for Petra from Jordan and Bicho from Panama, which he said exceeded his expectations. He also cited the classic Augustiner Helles from Germany as a highlight, proudly noting that he managed to enjoy it ahead of schedule.
However, not all his beverages were met with equal approval. Hully pointed out that his experience with non-alcoholic beers from the Middle East was less than satisfactory, specifically calling out the Fizzin from Qatar and Istak from Iran as two of the worst he encountered.
The full list of beers purchased for the challenge has been shared on Hully’s Instagram account, featuring a diverse range of international brews. Among them are Pabst Blue Ribbon for the United States, Modelo Negra from Mexico, Signature Brew Roadie for England, and Kronenbourg for France. As the World Cup final approaches, which will see Argentina face off against Spain on July 19, Hully has his beverages ready: Quilmes for Argentina and Estrella Galicia for Spain.
Reflecting on the emotional aspect of his challenge, Hully concluded that each sip serves as “a toast to their participation and failure at winning the tournament.” Despite his love for the sport, he admitted that the high costs associated with attending live matches deterred him from traveling to see the games in person.
Hully’s story showcases the lengths to which passionate fans will go to engage with their favourite sports while navigating economic challenges. His dedication, creativity, and willingness to adapt highlight the unique ways individuals celebrate significant global events like the World Cup. For those interested in following Hully’s journey, he encourages fans to stay engaged and connected to share in the global passion for football.
