Fifa World Cup 2026
UPDATE - England V Mexico World Cup Match - Monday 6 July
The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) Order 2026 has now been published.
The Order extends licensing hours for qualifying premises and qualifying clubs for England's Round of 16 match against Mexico. The extension runs continuously from 10:00pm on Sunday 5 July 2026 until 5:00am on Monday 6 July 2026.
This confirms that the extension does not start at the 1:00am kick-off. Qualifying premises may continue selling alcohol through to 5:00am, subject to the scope of the Order and any existing premises licence conditions.
The extension applies to the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises. It does not automatically extend other licensable activities, such as late night refreshment or regulated entertainment, unless those activities are separately authorised or otherwise exempt.
The Order also makes provision for the final on Sunday 19 July 2026, should England qualify. In that event, licensing hours for qualifying premises and qualifying clubs will be extended from 10:00pm on Sunday 19 July 2026 until 1:00am on Monday 20 July 2026.
Please note that the extension does not apply to premises excluded by Article 3 of the original 2026 Order, including premises with a disqualifying condition.
Existing licence conditions remain in force and premises must continue to promote the licensing objectives.
Fifa World Cup 2026
Canada, Mexico and the USA will be hosting the Fifa World Cup 2026 between 11 June and 19 July. The BBC or ITV will show all World Cup matches.
The government has confirmed that licensed premises in England and Wales will be able to remain open for longer if they are showing an England or Scotland match. This match must be a match that takes place beyond the group stages of the tournament.
If a kick-off takes place between 5pm and 9pm, licensed premises will be able to stay open until 1am. If a kick-off takes place between 9pm and 10pm, licensed premises will be able to stay open until 2am.
This will apply for matches that are:
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in the round of 32
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in the round of 16
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the quarter-finals
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the semi-finals
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the bronze medal match
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the World Cup final
Matches that start before 5pm or after 10pm will not benefit from the extension. If a pub wants to open later for a match that starts before 5pm or after 10pm, they must apply for a Temporary Events Notice.
The extended hours only apply to pubs in England and Wales that are already licensed to 11pm. The extension does not extend the hours for their regulated entertainment.
If you wish to stay open later for the World Cup, you should complete a risk assessment and record any decisions you make. You can download safety management resources from The British Beer and Cup Association (BBPA).
If a pub wants to benefit from the extended hours, but they are not licensed to 11pm, they must apply for a Temporary Events Notice.
You can visit GOV.UK to find full details of the extended licensing hours for the World Cup 2026.