Pubs in the UK will be allowed to stay open until 2am during the 2026 World Cup – but under one condition.
United States, Mexico and Canada will host this summer’s World Cup, with England and Scotland already qualifying for the tournament.
They could still be joined by Wales and Northern Ireland, who are both involved in the World Cup play-offs.
England are grouped with Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L, while Scotland find themselves in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
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The Three Lions have two 9pm (UK time) kick-offs and a 10pm (UK time) kick-off time.
As for Scotland, their fans have it rough, with their fixtures against Brazil and Morocco taking place at 11pm (UK time), while their game against Haiti is set to kick-off in the middle of the night, with a 2am (UK time) start.
If England and Scotland reach the knockout stages, then pubs will be allowed to stay open until 2am.
According to The Sun, for any very late kick-offs, they can apply for a temporary licence.
Pub bosses hailed the decision as a ‘win’, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood speaking out on the call to keep pubs open till late.
She 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.
"Fans won't need to go home, before football's come home."
Mahmood had been willing to relax licensing laws only if the home nation sides reached the last eight at the World Cup.
But she has now agreed to let boozers open for all their games beyond the ground stages.
Her decision was praised by Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, who said it is a ‘win for pubs, jobs and community spirit’.
Per the report, under a temporary easing of laws, pubs in England and Wales can stay open until 1am for the knockout ties, and 2am for the 10pm kick-offs.
What’s more, pubs in England can also stay open late for Scotland’s matches if they advance from their group.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, England, Scotland, Football
Nasir Jabbar