Pubs to stay open until 2am for knockouts of World Cup 2026

The Home Secretary has agreed for venues to stay open until 1am for most knockout games and until 2am for 10pm kick-offs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The extension would apply if any of the home nations reach the knockout stage of the tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Pubs to stay open until 2am for knockouts of World Cup 2026

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “With later kick-offs at this year’s World Cup, we don’t want pubs to blow the final whistle before the winning goal.

“So we’re showing red tape the red card and taking pub hours to extra time so fans can get another round in without missing a single kick.

“We’re toasting our boys at the World Cup and our locals this summer.

“Fans won’t need to go home, before football’s come home.”

The time difference with North America means some matches could finish late into the night, and the Government has agreed to extend licensing hours until 1am for most knockout games and 2am for matches with a 10pm kick-off.

Pubs will also be able to apply for a temporary licence for any very late kick-offs that could finish beyond 2am, given the time difference.

Earlier plans reportedly considered restricting late openings only if a home nation reached the quarter-finals, but she has agreed to extend opening hours until 1am for most knockout games and 2am for those kicking off at 10pm.

The British Beer and Pub Association told The Sun that the move is “a win for pubs, jobs and community spirit.”

England and Scotland World Cup Group stage matches and times

England and Scotland have already qualified for the tournament, which begins on June 11, while either Wales or Northern Ireland could still secure a place through the play-offs.

England are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, with Scotland in Group C, alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.

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England’s group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times are as follows:

• England vs Croatia – June 17, 9pm UK time, Dallas
• England vs Ghana – June 23, 9pm UK time, Boston
• Panama vs England – June 27, 10pm UK time, New York-New Jersey

Scotland’s group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times are as follows:

• Haiti vs Scotland – June 14, 2am UK time, Boston
• Scotland vs Morocco – June 19, 11pm UK time, Boston
• Scotland vs Brazil – June 24, 11pm UK time, Miami

Who do you think will win the World Cup this year? Let us know in the comments.