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Relaxation of licensing hours during the FIFA Men’s Football World Cup 2026

The Government have announced that licensed premises in England and Wales already licensed to 11pm, and subject to their existing licence conditions, can remain open for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises and provision of late-night refreshment for the FIFA Men’s Football World Cup 2026. Find the official Home Office announcement of the relaxation of licensing hours.

The tournament takes place across multiple North American cities across 4 different time zones, meaning that there's a range of kick-off times. Due to the time difference, this means some matches will start in the evening, while others may start late at night or in the early hours of the morning. All of the kick-off times listed here are British Summer Time (BST).

The first match of the day will typically kick-off at 5pm, with the final match of the day sometimes not starting until 5am.

With the lateness of some kick-offs in mind, the Government has confirmed that licensed venues in England and Wales can remain open for longer on the days of certain matches.

Matches that are included

When a home nation (England or Scotland) is playing, there'll be a national extension to licensing hours:

  • from 11pm to 1am for kick-offs from 5pm to 9pm
  • from 11pm to 2am for kick-offs after 9pm to 10pm

This will be applicable for the following stages:

  • round of 32 fixtures
  • round of 16 fixtures
  • quarter-final fixtures
  • semi-finals fixtures
  • bronze medal match
  • final

Find the FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule.

Matches that are not included

The initial group matches are not included. If no home nation is playing in any matches that otherwise qualify for the extension, the relaxation will not apply. Matches starting before 5pm or after 10pm will not benefit from the licence extension.

For any matches that are not covered by the extension, an individual at licensed on-trade venues can apply for a Temporary Events Notice (TEN) so that they can stay open longer.

If your venue is not normally licensed to 11pm

If your venue is not normally licensed to 11pm on the day of the match, you will not benefit from the extension. You can apply for a TEN if you wish to extend your licensed hours on that day.

At least one TEN is required whether England finish first, second or third, so planning ahead for TENs is highly recommended to cater for all potential England finishing places in Group L.