England supporters packed hundreds of pubs and bars across major UK cities late into the night as the national team secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup round of 16. The Government had extended opening hours to allow fans to watch the match, which kicked off at a late hour local time, leading to a vibrant atmosphere in cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
The game, played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, saw Thomas Tuchel's side come from behind to win a thrilling encounter. Jude Bellingham was among the standout performers, helping England set up a quarter-final clash against Norway. The victory was met with jubilant scenes in fan zones and pubs across the country, with supporters celebrating the team's resilience and attacking flair.
The extended licensing hours, granted by the Government specifically for the World Cup fixture, allowed venues to remain open beyond their usual closing times. This decision was welcomed by pub owners and fans alike, who had been eager to watch the match in a communal setting. In central London, streets around popular sports bars were filled with fans wearing England shirts, singing chants, and waving flags well past midnight.
In Manchester, the city's Northern Quarter and Deansgate areas saw large crowds spilling out of pubs, with many fans watching on outdoor screens set up for the occasion. Similar scenes unfolded in Birmingham's Broad Street and Liverpool's Mathew Street, where bars reported being at full capacity from early evening. Police reported no major incidents, with the atmosphere described as largely good-natured despite the high emotions of the match.
The victory over Mexico was particularly significant given the challenging conditions at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium, where England had not won in previous competitive visits. Goals from Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and a late winner from substitute Ollie Watkins secured the comeback after Mexico had taken an early lead. The result means England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals, a team that has impressed in the tournament with a solid defensive record.
Off the pitch, the match also drew attention due to a controversy involving Folarin Balogun, the US striker whose red card was controversially overturned by Fifa after lobbying from former President Donald Trump. The Belgian FA expressed astonishment at the decision, which allowed Balogun to play in the last-16 match against Belgium. However, the focus for England fans remained firmly on their team's progress.
England's WAGs, including Harry Kane's wife, were also seen celebrating the win, with social media posts showing their delight at the team's performance. The victory has boosted confidence among supporters, who now believe the team has a realistic chance of reaching the final. The quarter-final against Norway is expected to draw another massive television audience, with pubs and bars already preparing for another late-night screening.
The Government's decision to extend pub hours for the match was part of a broader effort to support the hospitality sector and allow fans to enjoy the tournament together. Similar extensions are expected for future England matches if they progress further in the competition. For now, the focus is on recovery and preparation for the next challenge, as Tuchel's squad looks to build on their momentum.
