July 03, 2026
Pubs and bars across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday morning, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday, so fans can watch the World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico without having to stumble home at closing time.
The government announced the extended licensing hours for Sunday night's match in Mexico City, which kicks off at 1am in England, removing red tape that would normally require individual venues to apply for permission to serve alcohol beyond standard hours.
Similar extensions were granted for England's earlier games at the tournament that kicked off before 10pm, with the Home Secretary using legislative powers to extend licensing on occasions of "exceptional international, national or local significance".
"Football might be coming home but we're making sure fans don't have to," Starmer said in a statement.
