Pubs across England and Wales may stay open until five a.m. [1] for the England-Mexico World Cup match this Monday.
The decision allows fans to gather in public venues for a game that kicks off at one a.m. [2] local time. Because the match occurs during the early hours of Monday, July 4, 2026 [3], standard licensing hours would have prevented most establishments from operating during the event.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the extension to ensure supporters can celebrate and back the national team during the round-of-16 stage [4]. The move addresses the logistical challenge of the early kickoff time, which is typical for matches hosted in North American time zones.
"The whole country will be backing the team," Starmer said [5].
The extension applies specifically to pubs in England and Wales, providing a legal window for businesses to serve patrons well past the conclusion of the match. This measure is intended to centralize celebrations, and provide a regulated environment for fans to watch the high-stakes knockout game [6].
Establishments will be able to operate under these temporary rules to accommodate the one a.m. [2] start time. The government's decision comes as the team enters a critical phase of the tournament, where a single loss results in elimination from the competition [4].
“Pubs across England and Wales may stay open until five a.m.”
The extension of licensing hours reflects the UK government's recognition of the cultural and economic impact of the World Cup. By allowing pubs to remain open, the government supports the hospitality industry while managing the public order risks associated with large crowds gathering in unregulated spaces for a late-night sporting event.
