Pubs in England can stay open until 5 a.m. on Monday to show Mexico game at World Cup

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says pubs in England and Wales can stay open until 5 a.m. on the night England takes on Mexico in the round of 16 at the World Cup. Calls for an extension to their licensing hours had grown in volume on Thursday, a day after England beat Congo 2-1 in the round of 32 with two late goals from captain Harry Kane.The match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City kicks off at 1 a.m. Monday morning UK time and could finish close to 4 a.m. if it goes to extra time and penalties. The current law only allowed pubs to stay open until 2 a.m. “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” Starmer said. “Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”

The government’s blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours. The changes do not apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.News of the extension was welcomed by those in the pub trade, many of which are showing the games from the U.S., Canada and Mexico live.

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