Pubs across the United Kingdom will be allowed to stay open until 1am if any of the home nations progress to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The government has confirmed the extension of licensing hours to allow fans to celebrate or commiserate together after the final whistle.
Home Secretary Confirms "Extra Time" for Pubs
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the move, stating that "the party won’t end before the final whistle is blown". She confirmed that if England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland reach the final stages of the tournament, licensing hours will be officially extended.
In comments made to The Sun, Mahmood added, "Our nations’ pubs are going into extra time." She also noted the historic potential of the upcoming tournament, saying, "This World Cup could be the first in over 60 years with every home nation there." The Home Secretary concluded with a personal touch for England fans, declaring, "It’s coming home."
A Vital Boost for the Struggling Hospitality Sector
The extended hours promise a much-needed boost for the UK's pub industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. A report by City AM last month revealed that pubs and bars are closing at their fastest rate this century, with nearly 450 appointing liquidators or administrators in the first ten months of this year alone.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, welcomed the decision. "The pub has and always will be the home of live sport," she said. "There’s no better place to gather under one roof during moments of huge national significance and make memories. Our sector plays a huge part in boosting community spirit and extending licensing hours will mean that people can gather for longer at their local to cheer on our brilliant teams."
Tournament Timing and Home Nations' Prospects
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The official draw is scheduled for Friday, 4 December 2025, with the full match schedule released the following day, Saturday. Kick-off times for matches are expected to fall well into the evening for viewers in the UK, making the late license crucial for fan gatherings.
The qualification picture for the home nations is currently mixed. England and Scotland have already secured their places and will be in Friday's draw. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland and Wales are in playoff positions, with their fate to be decided in March next year. The potential for all four nations to qualify adds to the anticipation for the tournament, which begins in the summer of 2026.
