Extended licensing hours for FIFA World Cup 2026

The Government has introduced new rules to allow longer alcohol sales during certain FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. These come into force on 8 June 2026.

Who this applies to

These changes apply to premises in England and Wales that:

• Have a premises licence or club premises certificate
• Are licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises
• Are already permitted to sell alcohol until at least 11pm (23:00) on relevant matchdays

Who this does NOT apply to

The extended hours do not apply to:

• Off-licences (alcohol for takeaway only)
• Premises licensed only for late night refreshment

When you can stay open later

If England or Scotland play in a World Cup knock-out stage match, you can sell alcohol later:

• Until 1am if the match kicks off at or before 9pm
• Until 2am if the match kicks off between 9pm and 10pm

These extensions apply only on match days listed in the Order.

Important limitations

• Matches kicking off after 10pm are not covered - you will need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to stay open later
• The extension applies to alcohol sales only - it does not extend hours for regulated entertainment
• Late night refreshment hours are only extended if you are also licensed to sell alcohol until 11pm on relevant matchdays

Premises need to be very careful should England or Scotland reach the final because the Order only extends the hours for premises which are licensed to sell alcohol until 11pm on Sunday 19th July 2026.

There will be many pubs which are only licensed to 10:30pm on a Sunday and, therefore, the Order will not extend the hours for those pubs for the final if the pub is only licensed until 10:30pm. The only way to extend the hours for those pubs on the day of the final would be by way of a Temporary Event Notice.