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orywirePubs in England can stay open later for some World Cup matches, but the national extension is limited to certain knockout-stage fixtures. Group games, outdoor screenings and special events may still depend on existing licences or council approval.
Pubs in England may be able to stay open later for some England World Cup matches, but the extra hours are not a blanket all-tournament extension. The national relaxation is limited to certain knockout-stage fixtures and only helps venues that already have the right licence in place.
Fans should check the pub’s own closing time before travelling. The rules give some venues extra room for late England games, while group-stage matches, outdoor screenings and special events can still depend on council decisions.
The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 is in force for England and Wales. Local council guidance says it allows qualifying pubs, bars, clubs and other on-trade venues to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises for longer when England or Scotland are playing in covered knockout-stage matches.
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The extension applies only where the venue is already licensed to trade until 11pm on the day of the match. It does not automatically extend every licence condition, and it does not give a venue permission to run activities that are outside its existing licence.
England’s three confirmed group-stage fixtures are not covered by the national extension. England Football lists the group games as Croatia on Wednesday 17 June at 9pm BST, Ghana on Tuesday 23 June at 9pm BST and Panama on Saturday 27 June at 10pm BST.
That means a pub showing those matches must rely on its normal licence unless it obtains any extra permission it needs. The 10pm Panama match is the one most likely to raise late-night questions for venues with standard 11pm permissions.
If England reach the knockout rounds, the national extension can apply to the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, the bronze medal match and the final, provided the match falls within the kick-off windows and the venue qualifies.
A pub may still need a Temporary Event Notice, known as a TEN, if it wants to extend hours for a match not covered by the national order or if the activity is not already permitted by its licence.
That can include group-stage late opening, a match starting before 5pm or after 10pm, late-night refreshment that is not already authorised, or a special screening outside the venue’s existing permissions. Pubs not licensed until 11pm also need to check whether they can benefit from the order at all.
GOV.UK says a TEN is used for licensable activities such as selling alcohol, regulated entertainment or serving hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am. Events covered by a TEN must have fewer than 500 people at all times, including staff, and last no more than seven days.
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A standard TEN must be served at least 10 clear working days before the event. A late TEN can be served no later than five clear working days before the event, but if police or environmental health object to a late notice, the event cannot go ahead under that notice.
Ministers have urged councils to support public World Cup celebrations where applications are sensible and safe. The Government has asked local authorities to process temporary event notices quickly for later opening and special screenings, while also encouraging a practical approach to beer garden and outdoor screening plans.
That does not remove councils’ role. Licensing authorities still have to consider local conditions, residents, noise, public safety and the usual licensing objectives. Police and environmental health teams can object to TENs where they believe an event could cause crime and disorder, public nuisance, safety risks or harm to children.
The Local Government Association has said councils support communities coming together for the World Cup, while making decisions based on local conditions and community needs.
Fans should not assume every pub will stay open until 1am or 2am. Check whether the venue is showing the match, whether it is taking bookings, whether outdoor screens will stay on, and what closing time applies on that date.
For pubs, the safest starting point is the premises licence. Operators should check alcohol hours, late-night refreshment, regulated entertainment, outdoor areas, beer garden conditions, capacity, door supervision, CCTV, dispersal plans and any local noise restrictions before advertising a late event.
Industry guidance from UKHospitality and pub-sector partners says pubs should work early with licensing authorities and police so match days are well managed. That is especially important for late kick-offs, outdoor screens and games that could go to extra time and penalties.
Further updates may be needed once England’s group position is known and any knockout fixtures are confirmed. The practical answer will depend on the match time, the venue’s existing licence and any council decision on extra permissions.
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