Quick summary: A new licensing order allows pubs and bars across England and Wales to extend their opening hours during the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, but this automated relaxation applies strictly to specific knockout matches involving England or Scotland. Because the group stage fixtures and games featuring other nations are excluded, hospitality operators face immediate 48-hour closure notices or criminal prosecution if they fail to secure separate temporary authorisations for late night screenings. This regulatory enforcement underscores a public policy effort to balance local economic vitality with community well-being by mitigating the noise, anti-social behaviour, and public safety challenges associated with overnight sports entertainment
Publicans and venue operators across England and Wales have been urged to check the rules on late-night openings during the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, after a leading licensing expert warned that misconceptions about licensing extensions could expose businesses to enforcement action.
As the tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, gets underway, time zone differences are expected to result in several late-evening and overnight kick-offs for UK viewers. Venues hoping to meet demand for live screenings could face penalties if they trade beyond their licensed hours without the necessary authorisation.
The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 came into force on 8th June after being made on 12th May. However, the legislation does not provide a blanket extension covering the entire tournament.
Monster-Mesh, which has published guidance for hospitality venues planning World Cup events, spoke to licensing expert Julie Gowland to clarify how the rules apply.
Gowland, Partner and Head of Licensing at Birketts LLP, told Monster-Mesh: “The Licensing Act 2003 FIFA Order 2026 extends opening hours for licensed premises in England and Wales during key stages of the Men’s World Cup.”
“The Order, made on 12th May 2026, came into force on 8th June 2026 and will permit pubs, bars, clubs, and other on-trade premises already licensed for on-sales of alcohol to stay open later on the days of specified knockout-stage matches: the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, but only when England or Scotland are playing. Where this applies, operators will not need to submit a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to benefit from the extended hours.”
“The Order does not apply to group-stage fixtures and does not extend permissions for regulated entertainment or late-night refreshment beyond what a premises is already licensed to provide.”
Millions of supporters are expected to watch group-stage matches in pubs and bars, but those fixtures remain subject to normal licensing hours.
Gowland added: “The World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature several late-evening and overnight kick-offs due to time differences. The Regulations extending opening hours for licensed premises in England and Wales will only apply when England or Scotland are playing.”
Common licensing misconceptions
Gowland highlighted three common misunderstandings that could affect operators during the tournament.
National extensions apply to every match
“A frequent misunderstanding is that national extensions to licensing hours, such as those introduced for major sporting events, apply automatically to all premises and all matches. In reality, these extensions are typically limited to specific fixtures and may exclude certain kick-off times, meaning venues may still need to apply for a TEN to trade later than usual.”
One-off events allow greater flexibility
“Another frequent mistake is operating outside of licence permissions, even where temporary extensions are in place. I have seen businesses assume that because it is a ‘one-off’ event there is greater flexibility, but that is rarely the case. Licensing conditions still apply in full, and any variation or extension must be strictly adhered to.”
TEN applications can wait until the last minute
“Businesses should also avoid assuming they can submit TEN applications at the last minute. There are strict notice periods and limits on how many TENs can be used each year, and late applications can be refused or deemed invalid, especially if objections are made.”
Enforcement powers and planning requirements
Local authorities and police can issue immediate 48-hour closure notices, trigger licence reviews, or pursue criminal prosecutions where premises fail to comply with licensing rules.
Hospitality operators wishing to screen group-stage matches, or fixtures not involving England or Scotland, beyond their usual licensed hours will need to obtain a TEN, subject to statutory deadlines.
The restrictions reflect the limited scope of the Order, which is intended to support communities when home nations progress while maintaining regulatory oversight. Government guidance confirms that the extensions apply only to qualifying knockout matches involving England or Scotland, with permitted trading hours determined by the timing of kick-offs.
Industry bodies have encouraged venues to plan ahead, particularly because North American hosting arrangements create significant time differences for UK audiences. Businesses without existing permissions for late-night alcohol sales or entertainment may need to rely on TEN applications where the national extension does not apply.
For further advice, hospitality operators are encouraged to consult event safety and licensing resources or seek specialist guidance.