Spanish holiday resorts Magaluf and Benidorm have announced tough new restrictions aimed at controlling England and Scotland football fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The measures, which include a curfew on bar terrace televisions after midnight and strict conditions for extended opening hours, are designed to balance leisure activities with safety and community coexistence.
Magaluf imposes curfew and strict rules
The mayor of Calvia, the municipality that includes Magaluf, has signed a municipal decree outlining special regulations for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19. The rules apply specifically to matches involving England, Scotland, Germany, and Spain during the early stages, as well as semifinals, the final, and the third-place playoff.
Under the decree, bars and restaurants may remain open beyond their normal closing time only if a match starts during their regular hours. In such cases, they can stay open until 15 minutes after the match ends, including extra time and penalty shootouts. However, if a match begins at or after the official closing time, establishments must adhere strictly to their licensed hours and cannot remain open.
Noise and crowd control measures
To minimize disturbance, all audio broadcasting on terraces and outdoor areas must be completely turned off after midnight, with volume set to zero. Only the visual signal of matches may be shown, and screens must be oriented toward the interior of establishments. This aims to prevent crowds from gathering in public spaces and obstructing pedestrian or road traffic.
Calvia Town Hall warned that failure to comply with the decree will result in penalties, urging establishment owners to cooperate in preventing public safety issues. The rules reinforce similar guidelines successfully implemented during Euro 2024.
Benidorm boosts security with extra police
Meanwhile, the mainland resort of Benidorm is preparing for an influx of World Cup fans by deploying additional riot police and increasing evening and night-time patrols. The city, popular among British holidaymakers, expects a 16.4% rise in airline seat capacity to Alicante during the first phase of the tournament (June 11-27), particularly from the United Kingdom.
Jesus Carrobles, Benidorm’s councillor for citizen security and public service, stated that both local police and National Police will work jointly to reinforce surveillance units. An information campaign will also be carried out to ensure visitors are aware of the rules.
Football fans have rushed to book flights to Benidorm after anger over the cost of trips to the United States, one of the three host nations. Flight comparison website Kiwi.com reported an over 300% rise in bookings for the Alicante and Benidorm routes last year.
The special security operation in Benidorm was coordinated during a meeting between police and councillors, with the aim of ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all residents and tourists during the World Cup.
