World Cup 2026 extended licensing hours

Find out whether your premises qualifies for temporary extended licensing hours during FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

The government has confirmed extended licensing hours for the sale of alcohol at on-licensed premises.

Licensed hours are automatically extended from 10pm on Sunday 5 July to 5am on Monday 6 July.

If England reach the quarter-final stage, licensed hours are automatically extended from 11pm on Saturday 11 July to 2am on Sunday 12 July (kick off 10pm).

If England reach the semi-final stage, licensed hours are automatically extended from 11pm on Wednesday 15 July to 1am on Thursday 16 July (kick off 8pm).

If England reaches the World Cup Final on Sunday 19 July 2026 (kick-off 8pm), licensed hours will automatically be extended from 10pm on Sunday 19 July to 1am on Monday 20 July.

The extension applies if:

• your venue has a premises licence or club premises certificate issued in England and Wales
• your licence already allows alcohol sales until at least the start of the extended hours on the day of the match

Existing licence conditions still apply.

The extension does not apply to:

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

Showing live television broadcasts is not a licensable activity under the Licensing Act 2003.

You do not need permission from the council to show football matches.

The extensions do not apply to matches other than games featuring England.

You will need to apply for a Temporary Event Notice if you want to extend your hours for these matches, subject to legal limitations.

The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026

The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) Order 2026

You can also:

• view guidance on the relaxation of licensing hours on GOV.UK
• read the British Beer & Pub Association advice for licensees PDF, 865KB