The Government has extended late opening hours even further so bars will be able to open longer for three more vital games that take place in a different time zone across the pond
Pubs have been granted ‘Fergie time’ to open up even later during the World Cup. Fans had already been given extra time to watch England and Scotland’s matches with late kick-offs in the tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada, in the boozer.
Now the Government has extended opening hours even further so bars will be able to open longer for three more vital games. A total of 13 matches will now potentially be included in the national pub licensing hours extension.
The Government hopes the move will offer a ‘further boost for hospitality’ by helping ‘drive up revenue and bring fans together to cheer on the home nations’.
‘Fergie Time’ was the extra-extra time rival fans claimed Manchester United ’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson squeezed from referees by tapping his watch on the touchline until his club netted a crucial late goal.
Under the expanded opening hours pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open an extra two hours until 1am for round of 32 and last 16 games starting from 5pm to 9pm.
Later kick‑offs – from 9pm up until and including 10pm – will push last orders back to 2am. Extended pub licensing hours already apply to matches kicking off between 8pm and 10pm.
Today’s extension means fans will be able to watch three more matches in the pub. A Home Office spokesman said: “It is the first time in a decade pubs and bars will be allowed to stay open late if the home nations reach any of the round of 32 and 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the World Cup.
“The move removes the need for individual venues across England and Wales to apply for licensing extensions, helping the wider hospitality sector make the most of big match nights.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “If our boys are on the pitch we want our fans to stay in the pub. So we’re giving pubs and bars an open goal to serve punters long after the last penalty hits the back of the net.
“We won’t have fans coming home before football does.”
The Home Secretary has the legal power to extend licensing hours for events of ‘exceptional international, national or local significance’.
Similar extensions were previously used for the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament and Men’s Euro 2024 final. The Home Office said pub licensing hours could be extended for other events too ‘to help the nation celebrate together more often’.
That could see boozers opening later for Eurovision, Royal Weddings and next summer’s Women’s FIFA World Cup.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “There’s no place quite like the pub to cheer on our brilliant teams and being able to open for longer means people can come together, boost community spirit and enjoy a summer of sport.
“The Government cutting red tape is a really positive step in helping the sector and must go hand in hand with reducing regulatory burdens and costs so our locals can continue to be places for people to gather under one roof to celebrate moments of national significance.”
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said: “The World Cup is the centrepiece of this year’s summer of sport and our pubs and bars will be packed with fans cheering on the home nations.
“The local is the best place to watch the games and I’m pleased that the Government has gone one step further to extend licensing hours for all knockout games, meaning both fans and hospitality businesses can make the most of the World Cup.”
Michael Kill, chief executive officer of the Night-Time Industries Association, said: “This is a welcome boost for the hospitality sector and night-time economy, giving pubs, bars and venues the chance to make the most of one of the biggest global sporting events.
“The Government’s move to extend hours will help drive revenue, support jobs and strengthen local economies during key match nights.
“It also allows fans to come together in safe, vibrant settings to enjoy every moment of the knockout stages. Overall, it’s a practical step that supports growth, enhances the matchday atmosphere and brings communities together.”