England fan collects beer from all 48 World Cup nations

England football fan Gus Hully has amassed a unique collection during the World Cup: one beer from each of the 48 competing nations. BBC Sport caught up with the supporter to learn more about his quest.

The collection journey

Hully, a dedicated England fan, set out to gather a beer representing every country at the tournament. His collection spans beers from all 48 nations, showcasing the diversity of brewing traditions from around the globe.

How it started

The idea came to Hully as a way to combine his passion for football and beer. He began sourcing the beers before the World Cup kicked off, reaching out to friends, family, and online communities to help track down brews from less common nations.

Challenges and highlights

Some beers were easier to find than others. Hully noted that beers from European and South American countries were readily available, while those from smaller or more remote nations required extra effort. He highlighted the difficulty in finding a beer from Qatar, the host nation, due to the country's strict alcohol laws.

Memorable finds

Among his favorites, Hully mentioned a beer from Senegal and another from Japan, praising their unique flavors. He also expressed surprise at the quality of beers from countries not traditionally known for brewing.

Fan reaction

Hully's collection has drawn attention from fellow England supporters and beer enthusiasts. Many have praised his dedication and the cultural aspect of the project. Hully hopes to display the collection at a future fan event.

"It's been a great way to connect with other fans and learn about different cultures," Hully said. "Each beer tells a story."

Looking ahead

With the World Cup ongoing, Hully plans to enjoy his collection while cheering for England. He also hinted at expanding the collection for future tournaments, potentially including non-alcoholic options to be more inclusive.