Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that all pubs in England will be allowed to open for the national team's World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday. The decision overrides standard licensing hours that would otherwise prevent bars and pubs from serving alcohol or remaining open during the early hours. The move is intended to allow fans across the country to watch the crucial fixture together in public venues, following a surge in public interest after England's 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday evening.
The match against Mexico represents England's first knockout-stage test in the 2026 tournament, and the late kick-off time — driven by the host nation's time zone — had raised concerns among hospitality businesses and local authorities. Under normal circumstances, pubs and bars in England must apply for special licences to serve alcohol beyond 11pm or midnight, depending on their existing permissions. However, Starmer's announcement effectively grants a blanket exemption for the duration of the match, removing the need for individual applications to local councils.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also urged town halls across the capital to cooperate fully with the relaxation of licensing rules, and has called on Transport for London to consider running the Night Tube into the early hours of Monday morning so that fans can get home safely after the game. The combined measures are designed to avoid a repeat of previous tournaments, where late-night matches led to overcrowding in licensed venues and long queues for public transport.
The decision comes after England's head coach, Thomas Tuchel, publicly appealed to parents to allow their children to stay up and watch the match, and even suggested that schools should be lenient about attendance on Monday morning. Tuchel argued that the experience of watching a World Cup knockout match as a family was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young fans. However, Starmer vetoed that proposal, stating clearly that children should be in school on Monday regardless of the late-night football.
Education minister Jacqui Smith backed the Prime Minister's position, advising parents to encourage their children to take a «disco nap» on Sunday evening so that they could stay up to watch the game without being too tired for school the next day. Smith said that the government wanted families to enjoy the match together but emphasised that attendance on Monday remained mandatory. The guidance has been welcomed by teaching unions, who had expressed concern about a potential spike in unauthorised absences.
The match against Mexico is expected to draw a massive television audience. More than 16 million people tuned in to watch England's group-stage win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and broadcasters anticipate that the knockout fixture could exceed that figure, particularly given the added accessibility of pub screenings. Hospitality industry representatives have welcomed the licensing relaxation, noting that it will provide a significant boost to trade during what is typically a quiet period for late-night business.
Local councils, which normally process late-night licensing applications on a case-by-case basis, have been informed of the national exemption and are expected to support the arrangement. Some authorities had already begun preparing to fast-track applications before Starmer's announcement, but the blanket permission removes administrative burdens and ensures consistency across the country. The government has also urged police forces to maintain a visible presence near pubs and fan zones to ensure public order.
England's progression to the round of 16 has reignited national enthusiasm for the tournament, and the Mexico fixture is seen as a pivotal moment in the team's campaign. The Three Lions will be looking to build on their narrow victory over Congo, which was secured by goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Mexico, a traditional footballing powerhouse, will present a stern test, and the late kick-off time has added an extra layer of logistical complexity for fans planning to watch the game.
For those unable to attend pubs or fan zones, the match will be broadcast live on free-to-air television, with coverage beginning shortly before 1am. The government has advised fans to plan their travel in advance, particularly in London where Night Tube services are expected to run on selected lines. The broader package of measures reflects a coordinated effort to balance public enjoyment with safety and educational priorities, as England seeks to advance further in the tournament.
