UK Extends Pub Hours to 2am for 2026 World Cup

The UK government has extended pub licensing hours in England and Wales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing bars and venues to remain open until as late as 2am so fans can watch knockout stage matches involving England and Scotland without interruption.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the changes, which build on earlier provisions for late kickoffs in the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Due to time zone differences of at least five hours, many games will start in the evening or night for UK viewers. Under the new rules, pubs can extend hours by two beyond normal closing times: until 1am for fixtures kicking off between 5pm and 9pm UK time, and until 2am for those starting between 9pm and 10pm. Officials estimate the extension could cover up to 13 matches, including three additional early evening knockout ties, such as potential round-of-32 or round-of-16 games if the home nations advance.

The measure applies to the round of 32, last 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final, marking the first such national relaxation in a decade for World Cup knockout stages. Venues no longer need to seek individual permissions, streamlining operations for...