The World Cup 2026 is nearly here, promising a festival of football on a scale never seen before.
With the tournament being hosted in the USA, Mexico and Canada, all the matches will kick off between 5pm and 2am UK time. While most footy fans will be pleased that the games are outside of normal working hours, the late kick-offs pose a challenge for people keen to soak in the atmosphere in a pub.
England fans watching football in the pub (Chris Radburn/PA)
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Luckily, the government has confirmed national licensing extensions for pubs showing home nation’s games during the knockout stages, but there are strict guidelines and restrictions in place.
Not all games will be covered by the extension, such as those that begin after 10pm.
However, venues with existing late licenses can continue to operate as usual.
Here’s what you need to know about licensing rules for pubs in London at the World Cup 2026:
An automatic extension has been granted by the government to pubs in England and Wales showing England or Scotland games during the knockout stages.
This means any pub or venue with a standard 11pm alcohol license can stay open later without applying for an extension.
For games that kick off between 5pm and 9pm, licensing hours are extended until 1am and for those that kick off between 9pm and 10pm, licensing hours are extended to 2am.
However, this only applies when England or Scotland are playing in a knockout stage.
What about matches that start after 10pm?
Licensing rules do not apply to matches that kick off after 10pm. Licensed on-trade venues can apply for a Temporary Event Notice if they wish to stay open later.
What about the group stages?
The automatic extension does not apply to the group stages, so pubs wanting to extend licensing hours after 11pm must apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
There will be plenty of venues that already have TENs in place or late operating licences, such as nightclubs and larger venues.
While games can still be shown during normal opening hours.
Its likely many pubs will apply for extensions to show England and Scotland group games that aren’t covered by normal opening hours – but you’ll need to check with your venue to be sure.
What about when no home nation is playing in the knockout stages?
If neither Scotland nor England are on the pitch, the automatic licensing extensions for the knockout games don’t apply.
So be prepared for some venues not serving alcohol past 11pm for knockout matches not involving the home nations, if they haven’t applied for a TEN.
What about outdoor venues?
Nothing says British summertime like watching football in a beer garden, but plans may be foiled under council curfews.
It’s important to check that the venue you’re attending will still be showing the football outside at later times as the extension does not cover curfews.
