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FIFA World Cup 2026 – extended licensing hours

England v Mexico (Round of 16)

The Government has made a Licensing Hours Order under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, recognising the FIFA World Cup as an event of exceptional national significance.

Following the Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) Order 2026, eligible premises may automatically extend their licensed hours for the England v Mexico Round of 16 match without the need for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).  

When does the extension apply?

The extension applies from:

10:00pm on Sunday 5 July 2026 until 5:00am on Monday 6 July 2026

for the Round of 16 match between England and Mexico, scheduled to kick off at 1:00am BST on 6 July 2026.

Which premises are covered?

The extension applies where:

  • the premises holds a premises licence or club premises certificate in England or Wales;
  • the licence already permits the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises until at least 10:00pm on the relevant day.

Existing licence conditions remain fully in force throughout the extended period. 

Which premises are not covered?

The extension does not apply to:

  • off-licences
  • premises licensed only for late night refreshment
  • regulated entertainment

England's route to the Final

Further automatic licensing extensions may apply if England progresses through the tournament.

Quarter-Final 11 July 2026

If England beats Mexico and reaches the quarter-final scheduled to kick off at 10:00pm on 11 July 2026, eligible premises may continue selling alcohol until:

2am on 12 July 2026 (three-hour extension from 11pm).

If England is eliminated, normal licensing hours will apply.

Semi-Final 15 July 2026

If England wins the quarter-final and reaches the semi-final scheduled to kick off at 8pm on 15 July 2026, eligible premises may continue selling alcohol until:

1am on 16 July 2026 (two-hour extension from 11pm).

If England loses the semi-final, the final extension will not apply.

Third-Place Play-Off 18 July 2026

If England loses the semi-final and qualifies for the third-place play-off scheduled to kick off at 10:00pm on 18 July 2026, eligible premises may continue selling alcohol until:

2am on 19 July 2026 (three-hour extension from 11pm).

Final 19 July 2026

If England wins the semi-final and reaches the FIFA World Cup Final scheduled to kick off at 8pm on 19 July 2026, eligible premises may continue selling alcohol until:

1am on 20 July 2026

The Amendment Order increased this extension from two hours to three hours and changed the extension period to begin at 10pm rather than 11pm. 

Important reminder – existing licence conditions still apply

The extended hours provision only affects the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol covered by the Order.

All existing premises licence conditions remain fully enforceable throughout the extended period and must continue to be complied with at all times. 

This includes any conditions relating to:

  • capacity limits
  • door supervision
  • CCTV
  • dispersal arrangements
  • external areas
  • smoking areas
  • noise control measures 

Recommended measures for premises

To promote the licensing objectives and reduce the impact on local communities, premises are encouraged to:

Prevention of crime and disorder

  • Ensure sufficient staffing levels throughout the event and dispersal period.
  • Consider employing SIA-licensed door supervisors where large crowds are anticipated.
  • Maintain CCTV coverage and ensure recordings are retained in accordance with licence conditions.

Public safety

  • Do not exceed the authorised capacity of the premises.
  • Monitor admissions and customer numbers throughout the event.
  • Keep all emergency exits and escape routes clear.
  • Consider using polycarbonate or plastic drinking vessels rather than glass.

Prevention of public nuisance

  • Implement effective dispersal arrangements at closing time.
  • Display notices asking customers to leave quietly.
  • Prevent customers from congregating outside premises.
  • Monitor smoking and vaping areas to minimise noise.
  • Ensure any external areas are properly supervised and managed.

Protection of children from harm

  • Continue to operate Challenge 25.
  • Maintain robust age-verification procedures.
  • Remain vigilant regarding underage sales and proxy purchases.

Managing intoxication

Premises are reminded that it remains an offence to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk. Staff should actively monitor intoxication levels and refuse further alcohol sales where appropriate. The extended licensing hours should not result in reduced supervision standards. 

Police and Licensing Officers may carry out visits during the tournament to provide reassurance, offer support and monitor compliance with licensing legislation and licence conditions. By planning ahead and adopting appropriate control measures, premises can help ensure supporters enjoy the event safely while minimising disruption to local communities.