Wider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup

The government has confirmed that pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open later during key matches of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, widening the scope of previously announced licensing relaxations.

Ministers said the temporary extensions will apply on nights when England, Wales or Scotland play knockout‑stage fixtures that fall outside normal trading hours. The Home Office said the move is intended to support hospitality businesses and allow fans to watch matches “in a safe, supervised environment”.

The decision follows a public consultation launched earlier this year and comes after the Institute of Licensing (IoL) had already reported that extended hours would be granted for the tournament’s opening weekend and England’s group‑stage fixtures. The latest announcement goes further, covering a broader range of late‑night matches as the competition progresses.

Industry groups have welcomed the wider relaxation, saying it will provide a financial boost to pubs still recovering from rising costs and reduced footfall. Local authorities will retain powers to intervene where necessary, but ministers said the blanket extension avoids the need for thousands of individual applications.

The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature several late‑evening and overnight kick‑offs due to time differences. The government said the temporary measures strike a balance between supporting the hospitality sector and maintaining public safety.

Further guidance for licensing authorities is expected in the coming weeks.