Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has approved a last-minute decision to allow pubs across England and Wales to remain open until 5 a.m. on Monday for the national team's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico. The game kicks off at 1 a.m. This blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours.

However, many pub owners have stated they will not open for the early morning match, citing difficulties in arranging staff and concerns about noise complaints from residents. Wetherspoon confirmed that only five of its 800 pubs nationwide will show the game. Greene King, which operates 2,600 venues, indicated that over 600 of its establishments in England would stay open late.

Pub bosses have expressed mixed reactions. Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, said his establishment would not open to avoid disturbing neighbors. "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 5 a.m.," Higgs stated. He also noted that many staff members have second jobs and that expecting them to work until 5 a.m. is unreasonable. Higgs suggested that while the extended hours might benefit pubs in larger cities, they are "completely pointless" for establishments like his.

The Treacle Mine Pub in Grays, Essex, also announced on Facebook that it would remain closed out of respect for its neighbors. The Foxley Hotel in Milton, Stoke-on-Trent, will show the match but on an "invite only" basis, requiring patrons to be added to a list for entry.

The decision to extend licensing hours reportedly faced initial resistance from the Home Office due to concerns about the impact on police forces. A former deputy assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police, Andy Trotter, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the late change would necessitate last-minute shift adjustments for officers. "My anxiety is with the late change the police are now going to have to gear up across the country on a night normally when into the early hours it'd be a bit quieter than usual," Trotter said. He added that the combination of hot weather, alcohol, and sporting events can lead to trouble, and police must be prepared for potential issues as fans leave early in the morning.

Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, expressed delight at the extended hours, stating it gives fans a chance to "come together, soak up the occasion and hopefully celebrate." Prime Minister Starmer commented, "Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together."

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, called the decision a "pragmatic approach" that allows venues to "focus on what matters most – bringing communities together to support the national team." Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, added that pubs and fans would be "over the moon" with the decision.

Regarding children watching the match, Downing Street advised parents to ensure their children attend school on Monday, contradicting advice from manager Thomas Tuchel. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that "Children should be in school the next day."

The number of pubs in the UK has been declining, with figures showing a fall from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025, according to the BBPA.