Football fever is set to sweep the UK once again as the government launches a six-week public consultation on extending pub licensing hours across England and Wales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move, announced on December 5, 2025, could see pubs staying open until 1:00 AM during the semi-finals and final, but there’s a catch: the late-night celebrations will only kick in if a home nation—England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland—makes it to the quarter-finals or further. With the tournament kicking off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, fans and pub owners alike are already buzzing with anticipation and hope.
This proposal, spearheaded by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, aims to capture the unique energy of international football and give supporters a chance to gather for those all-important matches. "Our nation’s pubs are going into extra time," Mahmood declared, adding with a wink, "The party won’t end before the final whistle is blown. And in a personal capacity, I would like to add: It’s coming home." Her comments, delivered with both official gravitas and personal optimism, set the tone for what could be a summer of unforgettable nights for football fans.
The consultation, which opened on December 4 and runs through January 2026, invites public feedback on whether pubs in England and Wales should be allowed to extend their opening hours until 1:00 AM for the semi-finals and final—provided those matches kick off at 9:00 PM UK time or earlier. Scotland and Northern Ireland, with their own separate licensing regimes, aren’t included in this proposal, but their teams’ fortunes could still have a ripple effect on the atmosphere across Britain.
The idea isn’t entirely new. Similar extensions were granted for the Women’s Euro 2025, the Men’s Euro 2024 final, the Women’s Euro 2022 final, and even the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in May 2025. Each time, the extended hours helped create a sense of shared excitement and community, with packed pubs providing the backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in recent sporting history.
Industry leaders have welcomed the government’s move with open arms. Michael Kill, CEO of the Night-Time Industries Association, sees it as a lifeline for the hospitality sector. "As we look forward to the 2026 football World Cup, the Night Time Industries Association welcomes the government’s proposal to launch a public consultation on extending licensing hours for pubs and bars in England and Wales," Kill said. Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, echoed his sentiments, telling the BBC, "The pub has and always will be the home of live sport and there’s no better place to gather under one roof during moments of huge national significance and make memories. Extending licensing hours will mean that people can gather for longer at their local to cheer on our brilliant teams."
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, added her voice to the chorus of support, highlighting the economic and social benefits. "The pub is the home of football, and the atmosphere for the World Cup is always incredible as fans gather to cheer on the home nations. Not only will it generate the best atmosphere for fans, but it can provide a real boost for hospitality businesses," she said.
And what about the numbers? The government estimates that these licensing extensions could deliver between £0.82 million and £1.52 million in economic benefits. With major pub chains like Wetherspoons, Fullers, and Young’s reporting sales growth of 3.2%, 4.6%, and 5.4% respectively in 2025, the sector is already showing signs of resilience. The restaurant and pub industry as a whole is forecast to climb from £161 billion this year to £171 billion in 2026. That’s a welcome trend, especially given that 55,530 companies across the wider economy were flagged in critical financial distress during Q3 2025—hotels and accommodation among the hardest hit.
Yet, the government isn’t ignoring the potential downsides. The consultation document is refreshingly candid about the risks, noting possible alcohol-related health harms, increased crime and disorder, and enforcement costs. It even admits there’s an "absence of data on how relaxations impact health and disorder"—a rare moment of bureaucratic honesty. Still, with previous licensing extensions deemed successful and largely trouble-free, there’s cautious optimism that the benefits will outweigh the risks.
Of course, none of this will matter unless a home nation delivers on the pitch. England, riding high after qualifying with a perfect eight-win record, enters the draw as second favourites at 6/1 odds. Manager Thomas Tuchel remains circumspect, saying, "We will arrive as underdogs because we haven’t won it for decades." England’s last World Cup triumph was in 1966, and fans are desperate for another taste of glory.
Scotland, meanwhile, is celebrating its first World Cup qualification since 1998, though bookmakers put their odds at a long 250/1. Still, the cultural significance of their return can’t be overstated. Wales and Northern Ireland face a more complicated path, with both teams set to compete in March playoffs for a coveted spot in the tournament. The twist? They’re in the same qualifying path, meaning only one can advance—and only then if they reach the knockout stages will the pub extensions be triggered for their fans back home.
There’s also the small matter of time zones. With matches spread across North America, some kick-offs could be as late as 2:00 AM UK time—an hour past even the proposed extended last orders. But when games start at more reasonable hours, the impact on pub attendance and the broader economy could be significant. Fans are already planning their evenings, hopeful that their team’s success will mean more time to celebrate together.
For pub owners, the decision—expected after the consultation closes in January—offers a glimmer of hope amid ongoing economic challenges. Five months’ notice would give venues ample time to prepare for what could be a bumper summer. The activation threshold is relatively low: any home nation reaching the quarter-finals triggers the extension for everyone. England doesn’t have to win it all—just make it past the group stage and into the knockouts.
As the consultation unfolds, the mood across England and Wales is one of cautious excitement. The framework for extended hours is already in place, and the prospect of packed pubs, roaring crowds, and late-night celebrations is tantalizingly close. Whether or not the dream becomes reality depends on the fortunes of the home nations, but one thing’s for sure—fans and businesses alike are ready to make the most of every minute.
With the World Cup draw set for Friday in Washington DC, and the consultation open until January, the stage is set for a summer where football, community, and the great British pub take center stage once again. Now, all eyes turn to the teams—and the dream of a long-overdue victory that could keep the taps flowing late into the night.
