England’s World Cup match against Mexico is set to start at 1 AM on Sunday. That’s very late for most people. Many fans hoped to watch the game at their local pub.
But the government has now made it clear that pubs will not be allowed to stay open later for this match. This decision has left some supporters disappointed.
Why Pubs Can’t Extend Hours
The government had already made changes to licensing laws for other World Cup games with earlier kick-off times. Those matches allowed pubs to open longer. However, the 1 AM start time for England vs Mexico falls outside those special rules.
Officials said the decision was about balancing public safety with the wishes of fans. They did not want to encourage late-night drinking that could cause problems in neighborhoods.
- The special extended hours only apply to matches that start before a certain time.
- This match starts too late for those rules to take effect.
What This Means for Match Day
Fans who wanted to watch the game in a pub will now have to make other plans. Many pubs will close at their normal time, which is usually before 1 AM. Some venues might still show the game if they have a late license, but most won’t.
Supporters can watch the match at home on TV or online. The government encourages people to enjoy the game responsibly.
Looking Forward to Future Games
This decision only applies to the England vs Mexico match. Future World Cup games could have different kick-off times that might qualify for extended pub hours. Fans should check local listings and pub schedules ahead of time.
For now, the best bet is to gather with friends at home or find a pub that already stays open late.