Thousands of pubs across the UK are set to remain closed when England faces Mexico in the World Cup early Monday morning, despite the government granting permission for extended opening hours until 5am. The match in Mexico City kicks off at 1am UK time, and the government relaxed licensing rules to allow pubs to stay open without individual applications. However, major pub chains have largely opted out.
Wetherspoons and Greene King Responses
A spokesperson for Wetherspoons confirmed that only five of its 800 pubs will open for the fixture. Greene King, which operates 2,600 pubs, restaurants, and hotels, stated that more than 600 of its venues across England will stay open late to screen the match.
Government Announcement and Industry Context
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs in England and Wales could extend hours for the round of 16 clash, following lobbying from MPs for greater flexibility beyond the existing 2am extension for England's World Cup matches. The blanket extension eliminates the need for individual license applications.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reported earlier this year that the number of UK pubs dropped from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025.
Local Pub Owner's Perspective
Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes in Witney, Oxfordshire, told LBC his venue will remain closed. “We're in a built-up community around here, and I think it's just a little bit disrespectful for our locals to have that sort of noise at 5am,” he said. “No one's going to want to work until five in the morning. We're not a nightclub, we're a local pub in a small town, and I am not allowed to annoy my neighbours because I'll be into holy hell with that.”
Higgs added that many staff have second jobs and he would not expect them to work such late hours. “For some, I think it's a huge benefit, especially in your bigger built-up cities, where there are places that open later. But for here and where we are, it's just not something that we will do. There's other things they can be doing to help the pub trade out. Staying open until 5am on a Monday for some is a benefit, but for others it's just completely pointless, really.”
Greene King's Enthusiasm
Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, expressed support for the extension: “We're delighted to have been granted permission to stay open late as England progress through the tournament. There's nothing quite like the atmosphere in our pubs and it gives fans the chance to come together, soak up the occasion and hopefully celebrate. We know this will be a popular match, so urge guests to secure their spot as soon as possible.”
