Pubs in England could extend opening hours for World Cup matches
Pubs in England might be permitted to remain open until 1am during next summer’s World Cup, contingent on the national team advancing to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, or final, under plans being developed by the Home Office ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reports BritPanorama.
With matches expected to commence later in the evening to avoid extreme heat conditions in North America, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is advocating for an extension of licensing hours. This allows supporters the opportunity to watch significant fixtures and celebrate key moments at their local pubs.
The government anticipates considerable demand, estimating that as many as 55 million pints could be consumed during the finals, according to reports. The World Cup draw is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Washington DC, with kick-off times due to be announced shortly thereafter. Current projections suggest that matches could begin at 5pm, 8pm, 11pm, or even 2am UK time.
A consultation is launching today to consider allowing all licensed establishments in England and Wales to remain open until 1am for any England match starting at 9pm or earlier. It is important to note that while Wales needs to qualify via play-offs, Scotland is already confirmed for the tournament, and Northern Ireland faces similar play-off conditions but may follow suit with their licensing regulations.
Emma McClarkin, of the British Beer and Pub Association, praised the proposals, asserting there is “no better place than the pub” to watch matches of national significance. Likewise, Lawson Mountstevens, from Star Pubs, highlighted the unifying effect of such major events, noting that trade typically increases by over 20 per cent during tournaments.
Kate Nicholls of UKHospitality remarked that extended opening hours would be a much-needed reprieve for a struggling industry. Publican Mike Dove, who manages the Three Horseshoes in Witney, Oxfordshire, expressed enthusiasm for hosting celebrations should England progress to the latter stages, stating, “We’ll put a heck of a party on if England make the final stages and serve as late as we’re allowed to. But we also need help now.”
Historically, major football tournaments have provided notable boosts to the UK economy. The World Cup in Qatar contributed to a 0.1 per cent increase in GDP that November, while England’s unexpected run to the semi-finals in 2018 saw a surge in hospitality spending, with millions more pints, pizzas, and bets being placed during the tournament.
If England manages a strong performance in 2026, pubs will likely emerge as focal points of economic and social rejuvenation, provided that licensing rules are finalised in advance. In times where economic growth has been stagnant, the prospect of a summer filled with sporting enthusiasm could serve as the invigorating tonic the economy so desperately needs.
As anticipation builds for the World Cup, the festive spirit of pub gatherings promises to reignite a sense of community, demonstrating once again how the love for football transcends mere sport and acts as a catalyst for collective celebration.
