Football groups, political parties, and business leaders have united to demand that London's Night Tube operates on weeknights when England and Scotland play World Cup matches. The campaign, initiated by the Liberal Democrats, has garnered support from the Football Supporters Association, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), and the Conservative Party. They are urging Mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) to expand overnight underground services to help supporters gather in the capital to watch their national teams after late kick-offs.
Why the Night Tube is needed during the World Cup
The Night Tube currently runs 24-hour service on Friday and Saturday nights only. The Liberal Democrats argue that football fans risk being stranded or facing complicated journeys home when watching mid-week games, as the Tube shuts at midnight. England's 9pm match against Ghana on June 23 ends around 11pm, while Scotland's match against Brazil on June 24 finishes close to 2am. If England progresses to the knockout stages, fans could be out even later; the predicted round of 16 match against Mexico on July 16 starts at 1am.
Liberal Democrats Transport Spokesperson Olly Glover MP told Metro: 'We want to see tube services expanded to give people the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup without worrying about how they will get home safely. Sadiq Khan and Transport for London should take the initiative and increase their nighttime schedule so that the hospitality industry can make the most of the World Cup and Londoners can properly enjoy the tournament.' The party has written to the Mayor, calling the move 'an open goal for TfL.'
Widespread support from fans and businesses
The Football Supporters Association, representing over 500,000 fans, said Three Lions faithful would 'appreciate additional public transport options.' London's hospitality leaders are among the loudest voices calling for expanded Night Tube services. Analysis by YouGov showed that overnight matches made three in five viewers more likely to stay home to watch games rather than go to bars and pubs, potentially holding back hospitality profits. Despite this, fans across the UK are still expected to spend £900 million at venues during the tournament.
NTIA CEO Michael Kill told Metro: 'Major events drive significant footfall into hospitality and entertainment venues, but their success depends on people being able to move safely and confidently across the city. With several World Cup fixtures finishing late into the evening, extending services will help ensure fans are not left stranded and can travel home safely. Transport is fundamental to the success of the night-time economy, supporting businesses, workers and customers alike.'
Pubs have been allowed to stay open later during the World Cup: for games kicking off between 5pm and 9pm, licensing hours are extended until 1am; for those between 9pm and 10pm, until 2am.
Cross-party and business backing, but concerns remain
The Heart of London Business Alliance, representing over 500 businesses, agreed that extending the Night Tube would 'create a huge boost for the hospitality, leisure and the night-time economy,' but called for clarity on funding for additional policing and stewarding. Others raised concerns about pressures on TfL staff working through the 40°C heatwave.
The campaign has found cross-party support. Conservative MP Nigel Huddleston, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, told Metro: 'It's not without precedent for travel services to be extended and expanded to satisfy fan surges, and I would encourage Sadiq Khan to expand night tube services for the benefit of football fans during the World Cup. An extension of services would also support pubs and bars, and sustain jobs which is the least Labour can do after their tax demands have so undermined the hospitality sector.' Labour MP Dawn Butler, representing Brent East, also joined, saying 'football fans shouldn't have to choose between supporting their national team and getting home safely.'
TfL's response and maintenance challenges
TfL stressed that the Tube network must remain closed on other nights for essential maintenance. A TfL spokesperson said: 'Our night-time transport network features more than 100 bus routes to help people travel across London, as well as our regulated taxi and private hire networks. Parts of the Tube and the Overground network operate throughout the night on Friday and Saturday nights because we are able to complete essential maintenance work on other nights to ensure the Underground continues to run safely and efficiently. Moving these engineering works is challenging and would compromise our ability to operate the best possible service. We will continue to work hard to offer the best possible service to Londoners this summer.'
