England is gearing up for an unforgettable summer of football as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, and excitement is already brewing far beyond the pitch. With the tournament set to take place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and a record 48 teams vying for global glory, British fans are preparing for an experience that promises to be both unique and electrifying. But it’s not just the football that’s capturing the nation’s imagination—the way fans will watch and celebrate the World Cup is about to change in a big way.
Today marks a pivotal moment as the group stage draw for the 2026 World Cup unfolds at 5pm UK time. Football supporters across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are gathering in pubs, living rooms, and public spaces to discover who their national teams will face on the road to potential stardom. The draw is being broadcast live for free on BBC Two and streamed on BBC iPlayer, ensuring that no one misses a second of the action. Adding an extra layer of spectacle, US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the draw in Washington DC—a testament to the tournament’s global significance.
With the tournament hosted across North America, match start times could vary dramatically from the UK norm. Possible kickoff times are under consideration, including 5pm, 8pm, 11pm, and even as late as 2am UK time, due to the heat and time zone differences. The final schedule is set to be released about 24 hours after the draw, but one thing is already clear: late-night football is on the horizon for British fans.
In a move that’s sending waves of anticipation through the football community, the British government has announced a major change to pub licensing laws for the World Cup. If England makes it past the group stage and into the latter rounds—think quarter-finals, semi-finals, and maybe even the final—pubs in England will be allowed to serve pints until 1am. This decision, driven by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, is designed to let fans soak up every moment of the tournament’s drama, no matter how late the matches run.
But the story doesn’t end there. The government has also launched a six-week public consultation, starting just this week, to consider whether these extended hours should apply to all England matches during the tournament—not just the final rounds. The measure would cover pubs and licensed premises in both England and Wales, with Scotland and Northern Ireland potentially following suit if their teams progress through the World Cup qualifiers. It’s a proposal that has unleashed not only enthusiasm but also debate, as fans and pub owners alike push for even broader extensions.
The British Beer and Pub Association is forecasting a tidal wave of celebration, estimating that 55 million pints could be poured over the month-long tournament. For many in the hospitality industry, this is more than just a party—it’s a much-needed economic boost. As Emma McClarkin, director of the association, put it, “The World Cup is a time when communities come together, and our pubs are at the heart of that.” Lawson Mountstevens, director of Star Pubs, echoes that sentiment: “Global events such as the World Cup are key to bringing people together,” he said, noting that trade increases by about 20% during these tournaments.
The economic impact of football fever is no mere theory. When the World Cup was held in Qatar in 2022, the UK saw a 0.1% growth in GDP in November alone, attributed in part to the tournament’s excitement and the associated surge in pub and retail activity. And back in 2018, when England’s run to the semi-finals in Russia captured the nation’s imagination, there was a noticeable uptick in consumption and public spirit. It’s a pattern that pub owners and economists alike hope to see repeated—or even surpassed—in 2026.
For fans eager to soak up the atmosphere, the options for where to watch are plentiful and varied. Major pub chains across the UK are preparing for a surge in football-loving patrons. JD Wetherspoon, with over 800 venues, is promising to show every World Cup fixture—including today’s draw—on multiple screens, pairing affordable food and drinks with a buzzing crowd. O’Neill’s, the popular Irish chain, is rolling out wall-to-wall HD screens and pledging to broadcast every match live, ensuring that the energy never dips. Stonegate Pub Company, operating more than 4,000 pubs, is going all out with huge TVs, projectors, and bookable tables for fans who want to secure the best seats in the house. Greene King, known for its traditional yet modern pubs, is also on board, streaming all the action reliably via the BBC.
The expectation is that these venues will become the beating heart of World Cup fever. From the first whistle to the final, fans will gather with friends, family, and even friendly rivals to experience the highs and lows together. The sense of community is palpable—after all, football in England is more than just a game; it’s a shared ritual, a cultural cornerstone, and, for one summer every four years, the focus of the nation’s hopes and dreams.
Meanwhile, the regulatory changes are being watched closely by pub owners, many of whom see the World Cup as a lifeline after challenging years for the hospitality sector. The prospect of extended hours is, as some have put it, “like rain in May”—a much-needed boost at just the right time. With the possibility of a general extension for all England matches still on the table, the hospitality industry is rallying behind the idea, urging both government and the public to support measures that could make this World Cup an economic and social win for all.
Of course, there are still details to be ironed out. The exact match times will be confirmed soon, and the outcome of the public consultation on pub hours remains to be seen. Scotland and Northern Ireland, each with their own licensing regulations, may also choose to follow England and Wales’ lead if their national teams progress, further amplifying the sense of unity and celebration across the UK.
As the draw unfolds and fans learn which teams England, Scotland, and the rest will face, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Will the Three Lions find an easier path to the knockout rounds, or will they be thrown into a group of death? Which pubs will be the hottest spots for fans to gather and cheer? And could this World Cup be the one that finally brings football home?
One thing is certain: with extended pub hours, a wave of national enthusiasm, and the world’s eyes on North America, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an event like no other for British fans. As the countdown to kickoff continues, the nation is ready—pints in hand, hearts full of hope, and eyes glued to the screen—for whatever drama the beautiful game has in store.