Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Home Secretary Extends UK Pub Hours for World Cup Knockout Matches

Pubs can stay open until 1am or 2am for late kick-offs during World Cup knockout rounds if England advances, supporting local businesses and fan engagement, British Beer and Pub Association said.

  • Ahead of the knockout stage, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood agreed to extend pub hours in England and Wales until 1am for most matches, rising to 2am for 10pm kick-offs.
  • Because time differences push matches late, the move aims to ensure pubs don’t close before the winning goal as Ms 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`.
  • Under the plans, pubs can remain open until 1am for most matches and 2am for 10pm kick-offs, with temporary licences available for very late finishes.
  • Conditional on England's progress, reports say pubs will only get extended hours if the Three Lions advance beyond the quarter-finals, and the British Beer and Pub Association called it a win for pubs, jobs and community spirit.
  • Because the 2026 World Cup is hosted by three countries and features 48 teams, England and Scotland have qualified and the tournament begins on June 11, while Wales or Northern Ireland could join via playoffs.
Insights by Ground AI

50 Articles

ABC FOX MontanaABC FOX Montana
+21 Reposted by 21 other sources
Center

UK pubs to stay open late if home nations reach World Cup knockouts

UK pubs will be allowed to stay open until 2:00 am if home nation teams reach the knockout stages of the football World Cup, the government said Thursday.

·Missoula, United States
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

GB News broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal