Retailers shorten hours for England World Cup matches

Major retailers across England are adjusting their hours to allow staff to watch the national football team's crucial World Cup matches this week, with early closures planned for the semifinal and a potential final. The moves come as England prepares to face Argentina in a semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with a place in the final on Sunday, July 19, at stake.

Electronics retailer Currys announced it will close its stores across the country at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, one hour earlier than usual, so employees can get home for the 8 p.m. kickoff. The company's director of stores, Matthew Speight, said the decision was made because of how excited colleagues are for the match, noting that stores would still be open late enough for fans to purchase a new television before the game.

Supermarket chain Tesco has outlined a conditional plan for its smaller Express stores in England should the national team advance. If England reaches the final, those stores will close at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, instead of their typical 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. closing times. Staff will receive their normal pay for the hours not worked. Kevin Tindall, managing director of UK operations for Tesco,...