Pubs and bars will be able to stay open until 5am on Monday so England fans can watch the last-16 World Cup clash with co-hosts Mexico, Yankee Scores reports.
England are in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup but their clash with Mexico will not kick off until 1am UK time.
And on Thursday evening the decision was confirmed to extend the alcohol licensing hours for the match.
The move is a welcome boost for the hospitality sector which will no longer have to apply for extended hours for individual premises in England and Wales.
It follows extensions already given for knockout games in England that kicked off up to 10pm, per Skysports.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Football might be coming home, but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.
“Pubs staying open until the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together,” he added.
“The whole country will be backing the team. Come on, England!”
Good news. pic.twitter.com/y1mrxvynsK
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 2, 2026
Yankee Scores had reported that the UK government has declined to extend pub opening hours on Sunday night to enable fans to watch the England v Mexico World Cup match


