How late will pubs stay open for World Cup 2026 matches in UK?

With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, home nations England and Scotland will be busy finalising their preparations for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

While both countries are sure to bring a strong contingent of supporters over the Atlantic, there will be fervent support on home soil too. Naturally, many fans will want to gather to watch the match together, and there are few better places than local pubs.

Euro 2024 was a fantastic time for the industry, and the same is sure to be true this year, with many expecting a boost in the drinks trade.

In light of this summer's competition, the UK government has announced changes to how long pubs can stay open, and it is important that fans know how much time they can spend together cheering on their nations.

Here, Football Ground Guide provides the key information and tips about how to follow all the action in UK pubs.

Will pubs stay open later during the 2026 World Cup?

For games played in the group stage, pubs are still subject to the same rules regarding closing, with English and Scottish pubs generally closing at 11:00pm and 10:00pm respectively.

However, the latest announcement by the government means there is a chance that fans can watch games into the early hours of the morning later in the tournament.

Fans in the UK will be able to stay in pubs until 1am for games in the knockout stages that kick off between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. For knockout games that kick off between 9:00pm and 10:00pm, supporters will be allowed to stay until 2am.

That distinction between games is important to note considering the World Cup is taking place across three countries and various time zones that are at least five hours behind the UK.

Fans should be aware that alcohol licensing in Scotland is somewhat more complicated as it is a devolved issue, and that could mean that individual authorities may consider their own extensions for licensed venues. These timings may become clearer soon given Scotland's first game at the World Cup will come against Haiti, a match that will kick off at 2am.

What are England and Scotland's knockout possibilities?

Should England and Scotland advance to the knockout stages, then there are three early-evening kickoff possibilities.

If Scotland win their group, they are set to play at 6:00pm BST in Houston on Monday, June 29, while England would play at 5:00pm BST in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1.

Should Scotland come second in their group and then win their round of 32 match, they will play at 6pm BST in Houston on Saturday, July 4.

These early-evening kickoffs might make life easier for fans watching England and Scotland in pubs as they will not have to stay up so late, but timings can of course change, so it is best to always keep up to date with the latest news ahead of time.

Indeed, the home secretary has the necessary legislative power to extend pub opening hours, though only on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance“.

As for the group stage, fans may have to decide between staying up late or getting an early night given of the 72 group games, four will take place at 1:00am, nine at 2:00am, eight at 3:00am, three at 4:00am and four at 5:00am UK time.