House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
FIFA Men’s Football World Cup 2026: Licensing Hours
04 December 2025 · Home Office
Proposed by Sarah Jones Lab Croydon West
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Home Office launches a consultation to gather public feedback on extending licensing hours for alcohol sales during the FIFA Men's Football World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final in England and Wales.
- The proposed extension applies to matches kicking off at 9pm or earlier, allowing premises to remain open until 1am.
- The consultation period ends on January 15, 2026.
Issue summary
The statement discusses a proposed extension of licensing hours for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales during the semi-finals and final of the FIFA Men's Football World Cup 2026, contingent on home nations' teams reaching those stages.
Action requested
A consultation is launched to gather public feedback from local licensing authorities, licensed premises, and interested parties. Depending on the outcome, a contingent Order will be made under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 to extend opening hours for matches that kick-off at 9pm or earlier until 1am. The consultation runs until January 15, 2026.
Key facts
- Consultation launched on extending licensing hours in England and Wales.
- Extension would apply if home nations teams reach semi-finals (July 14 and/or July 15) or final (July 19).
- Matches kicking off at 9pm or earlier would allow extended opening hours until 1am.
- Provision for temporary event notices (TENs) process for matches extending beyond 1am.
- Consultation will run until January 15, 2026.