Bosses say their giant screens and ear-splitting sound systems give a real football crowd experience – and they are perfect for a post-match victory party
Nightclubs are set to rock during the World Cup – as fans’ favourite venues to watch matches.
Bosses say they are the perfect place to watch early hours kick-offs with giant screens and ear-splitting sound systems already in place to give a real football crowd experience.
They have booze on tap, licences already in place to open all night and DJs ready to drown out dull punditry at half-time with killer dance tunes.
The nation’s 835 clubs are also the perfect spot for a celebratory after-party once supporters have cheered on their favourite teams to victory.
Football nightclubs also already have security teams in place to ensure fans stay out of trouble.
The Government has launched a six-week consultation on extending pub opening hours during the tournament so they will be allowed to screen matches broadcast late due to the kick-off time difference between host nations Canada, Mexico and the US and the UK.
But Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has suggested that may only extend to games involving home nations England and Scotland both of which have already qualified.
Wales and Northern Ireland could still get there via play-offs.
But Michael Kill, chief executive officer of the Night Time Industries Association, told the Daily Star Britain’s nightclubs could be the real World Cup winners as they already have early hours licences and can therefore screen all matches.
The night-time economy employs 2.1m 18 to 30-year-olds and already contributes £153bn to the UK economy each year.
“It has had a tough time of it with some venues closing to due to rising costs,” Michael said. “The World Cup could be a lifeline.
“Clubs don’t have the same issues as pubs. They already have licences that allow them to open into the early hours. Some of the World Cup matches won’t kick off in the UK until 2am. But clubs will easily be able to handle that.
“They will also be able to show all the matches simply because they are not bound by the same licensing restrictions as pubs. Clubs also have fantastic sound systems in place which will create an electric atmosphere similar to actually being at a match.
“And they have state of the art TV screens already fitted and ready to show the action. Many football grounds now bring on DJs at half-time to keep the crowd entertained. Nightclubs already have the best of them.
“And what better place to be in to celebrate an exciting victory.
“They also already have security teams in place who are experienced at handling customers in a late night environment. That ensures everyone stays safe.
“If they get it right I can see clubs attracting a whole new audience – every night. The 2026 World Cup is perfectly timed for the nightlife sector. These spaces are built for atmosphere, safety, and community.
“They have the sound systems, screens, staffing, security and late-night expertise to deliver unforgettable match experiences.
For a sector still grappling with financial pressures, the tournament offers a vital commercial opportunity and a chance to bring people together in a way few other settings can achieve.
“The night time economy stands ready to play a central role in making the 2026 World Cup a unifying and prosperous moment for communities across the UK.”
According to trade magazine Caterer, Licensee and Hotelier News: “Home nations matches, in particular, are expected to draw substantial crowds seeking high-energy, communal viewing experiences – something clubs and music venues are perfectly designed to deliver.
“Equipped with high-quality sound and screen infrastructure, professional security, and established late-night operations, these venues can offer electric atmospheres tailor-made for major sporting events.
“This perfect alignment of scheduling and capability presents a significant opportunity for operators and the wider night time economy, which has faced sustained pressure from rising costs and shifting trading patterns.
“From independent grassroots venues to larger nightlife institutions, operators across the UK will be preparing to welcome fans with immersive match screenings, special events, and tailored experiences that celebrate one of the world’s most anticipated sporting moments.”
The Home Secretary has indicated she is willing to use her legislative power to extend licensing hours for the UK’s 45,000 pubs on occasions of ‘exceptional international, national or local significance’.
The move was adopted for last year’s Women’s 2022 and 2025 Euro finals and Men’s 2024 Euro final.
Ms Mahmood said: “Our nation’s pubs are going into extra time. If any nation reaches the final stages we will extend licensing hours.
“The party won’t end before the final whistle is blown. And in a personal capacity I would like to add – it’s coming home.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The pub has and always will be the home of live sport and there’s no better place to gather under one roof during moments of huge national significance and make memories.
“Our sector plays a huge part in boosting community spirit and extending licensing hours will mean that people can gather for longer at their local to cheer on our brilliant teams.”
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, added: “The pub is the home of football and the atmosphere for the World Cup is always incredible as fans gather to cheer on the home nations.
“Outside of the stadium itself it’s the best place to watch the games and I’m pleased the Government is once again looking at extended licensing hours.
Not only will it generate the best atmosphere for fans, but it can provide a real boost for hospitality businesses.”