Image source, Getty Images By Oliver Smith , Emer Moreau , Business reporters and Paddy Evans , Political reporter Published 2 July 2026, 13:43 BST Updated 12 minutes ago Pubs in England and Wales will now be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday, allowing football fans to watch the Three Lions' World Cup clash with Mexico to the final whistle.
The round-of-16 match in Mexico City kicks off at 1am UK time.
The government had initially said it would not relax licensing laws further than they already have been for the World Cup.
But Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday afternoon that pubs could stay open until the final whistle.
Monday's match is not expected to finish until after 3am.
The government had initially decided not to extend licencing hours further, but u-turned on Thursday evening.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the decision was good news for both supporters and pubs.
"Football might be coming home but we're making sure fans don't have to," he said.
Publicans and businesses welcomed the change. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local."
Licensing hours had already been extended for the World Cup from 11pm to 1am for games with kick-offs from 5pm up to 9pm and up until 2am for kick-offs after 9pm.
Individual pubs normally have to apply to their local council for extended opening hours, at least five working days in advance.
Get in touch Will you be watching the match? Are you hosting your own event or watch party?
Contact form Contact form Related topics Pubs Hospitality industry More on this story World Cup dreams shattered as StubHub tickets cancelled at last minute
'You can't catch your breath' - how will Azteca altitude impact England?
Pub faces losses over England match licence refusal
Sources: BBC Sport
