In a significant move for football fans across the United Kingdom, pubs will be permitted to extend their operating hours until 2am during the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but only if any of the home nations—England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland—advance to that phase of the tournament. This decision, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, aims to accommodate later kick-off times and enhance the viewing experience for supporters.
Extended Hours and Licensing Details
The Home Secretary has agreed to allow pubs to stay open until 2am for matches that kick off at 10pm or later in the knockout rounds. For most other knockout games, opening hours will be extended until 1am. Additionally, pubs can apply for temporary licenses to remain open beyond 2am for any exceptionally late fixtures that might conclude after that time, as reported by The Sun.
Qualification Status of Home Nations
England and Scotland have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Wales and Northern Ireland are still in contention, hoping to secure their places through upcoming playoff matches. This marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams, up from 32 in the previous edition held in Qatar.
Ms. Mahmood emphasized the importance of this policy, stating, "With later kick-offs at this year's World Cup, we don't want pubs to blow the final whistle before the winning goal. So we're showing red tape the red card and taking pub hours to extra time, so fans can get another round in without missing a single kick." She added, "Fans won't need to go home, before football's come home," highlighting the government's support for community spirit and economic activity.
Background and Industry Response
Initially, the Home Secretary was considering restricting extended hours to only if a home nation reached the quarter-finals. However, she has now expanded the policy to cover all knockout stages, provided any home nation qualifies. This shift follows a recent government U-turn that bailed out pubs last month, addressing concerns over economic challenges in the hospitality sector.
The British Beer and Pub Association welcomed the decision, calling it "a win for pubs, jobs, and community spirit." This move is expected to boost pub revenues and foster a vibrant atmosphere during the tournament, which is the first to be co-hosted by three nations.
Tournament Draw and Group Stages
In the group stage draw, England has been placed in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Scotland, participating in their first men's World Cup finals in 28 years, will face Morocco, Haiti, and five-time champions Brazil in Group C. These matches will set the stage for potential knockout round appearances, triggering the extended pub hours if successful.
This policy underscores the government's commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing fan engagement during major sporting events. As the World Cup approaches, pubs across the UK are preparing for increased patronage, hoping for strong performances from the home nations to keep the celebrations going late into the night.
