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UK Pubs Get Late-Night Licenses for World Cup Matches

2/19/2026

37 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced extension of licensing laws allowing pubs to stay open until 2am during World Cup knockout stages if any home nation advances.
Pubs can apply for temporary licenses for late kick-offs.
If England reaches the last-16, the July 5 match will start at 1am, limiting pub hours.
The tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, aims to prioritise player welfare with later match times.

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Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced extension of licensing laws allowing pubs to stay open until 2am during World Cup knockout stages if any home nation advances.
Pubs can apply for temporary licenses for late kick-offs.
If England reaches the last-16, the July 5 match will start at 1am, limiting pub hours.
The tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, aims to prioritise player welfare with later match times.