World Cup 2026: UK allows longer pub opening hours

The UK government grants a temporary exemption from strict licensing laws for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to allow fans in pubs to watch matches undisturbed. Since the matches are spread across North American time zones and thus take place at unusual hours in Europe, the Prime Minister has officially authorized extended opening hours for establishments. This adjustment ensures that no fan misses a kick-off or a beer just because the pub would normally have to close.

The schedule for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico presents a logistical challenge for European viewers, as many kick-offs fall into late evening or early morning hours. By extending serving hours, politics is responding flexibly to this circumstance and preventing the atmosphere from being affected by abrupt closing times. It is a direct response to the geographic reality of the host countries, which brings a massive time difference with the United Kingdom.