World Cup 2026

Extended licensing hours for the tournament

The tournament takes place across multiple North American cities across four different time zones, meaning that there is 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 in this guidance are British Summer Time (BST).

Kick-off and late finishing times

The first match of the day will typically kick-off at 5pm, with the final match of the day sometimes not starting until 5am. All matches will be shown on either the BBC or ITV in the UK.

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

When a home nation is playing

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

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

This only applies to the following match stages:

• Round of 32
• Round of 16
• Quarter-finals
• Semi-finals
• Bronze medal match
• Final

When the extension doesn't apply

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 give a Temporary Event Notice so that they can stay open longer.

This national extension will allow licensed premises in England and Wales that are already licensed to 11pm. This is subject to their existing licence conditions, to remain open for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises and provision of late-night refreshment.

Any venue that is not normally licensed to 11pm on the day of the match will not benefit from the extension and would need to apply for a TEN if it wished to extend its licensed hours on that day.

Late kick-offs – a reminder

In addition to the national extended hours noted above, you may wish to apply for a TEN to extend your licensing hours for other matches. Some of these matches may have very late kick-offs, like 2am or later.

Wherever you have extended hours such that your customers leave your premises in the early hours of the morning, remember to consider the following:

• Using signage or other reminders for customers to leave your premises quietly, in consideration of local residents
• providing information on transport options for customers such as local taxi companies, bus times, train times etc
• early engagement with your local police if you intend to apply for a Temporary Event Notice Temporary events notices (TEN) for a late kick-off match.