Thousands of pubs across the UK are expected to remain closed when England take on Mexico in the World Cup round of 16 match, despite the government granting permission for extended opening hours. The match kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday, July 6, and the government has allowed pubs to stay open until 5am. However, major pub chains have confirmed that most of their venues will not be taking advantage of the relaxation.
Wetherspoons and Greene King Responses
A spokesperson for Wetherspoons said that only five of its 800 pubs will be open for the match. Greene King, which operates 2,600 pubs, restaurants, and hotels across the UK, said more than 600 of its pubs in England would stay open late to show the match. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales would be able to stay open late for the round of 16 fixture.
Background on Extended Hours
MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the World Cup. The blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours. In Greater Manchester, three fanzones and a number of other venues will also remain open for the match.
Declining Pub Numbers
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said earlier this year that the number of pubs in the UK had fallen from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025, reflecting ongoing challenges in the industry.
Local Pub Owner's Perspective
Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, said it would not be opening for the England match. Speaking to LBC, Mr Higgs said: "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....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. A lot of our staff have second jobs. We employ a couple of full-timers, but mainly part-time, and I would never expect that of them."
Discussing the government's decision to loosen restrictions, Mr Higgs said: "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, said: "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."
