The British government has ruled out extending pub licensing hours for Sunday night's FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture between England and Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time in Mexico City.

In the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson pressed ministers to consider relaxing licensing laws so supporters could watch the game in their local pub. "Pubs will miss out on a real opportunity to get money in the till if ministers do not make a blanket extension for licensing hours," Wilkinson said.

What the current rules allow

The government had already loosened licensing regulations earlier this year to help fans watch late-evening matches. Under those rules, pubs may stay open until 1am for games with kick-offs between 5pm and 9pm, and until 2am for kick-offs after 9pm and up to 10pm.

Business Minister Kate Dearden confirmed, however, that the existing extensions do not cover a 1am kick-off. "Pubs can stay open for an extra two to three hours depending on how late the match starts so pubs can still open as the game finishes," she said. "Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn't apply with the 1am start but going forwards we are absolutely backing our pubs so people can watch and support our lads, and it's coming home hopefully."

The TEN option — and why it's too late

Outside the general relaxation, pubs can apply to their local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), which permits late opening. The catch is that applications must be submitted no later than five working days in advance — a deadline that has already passed, making it too late for most venues to apply.

A number of establishments that had tracked England's potential path through the tournament had already applied for and received a TEN ahead of the knockout rounds.

Industry voices concern

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, called on the government to act quickly. "We remain in close contact with government about concerns raised by publicans who want to show the match but haven't got TENs in place," she said. "It would be a crying shame for fans and pubs if our locals weren't able to host such an important match."

The situation leaves thousands of pubs and their customers facing the prospect of watching one of England's biggest World Cup fixtures at home rather than in a communal setting.