Many pubs to remain closed for England-Mexico World Cup game: ‘We’re not a nightclub’

Many pubs are expected to remain closed for England’s World Cup match against Mexico despite a decision permitting them to stay open until 5am.

Sir Keir Starmer confirmed on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales could extend their hours for the round of 16 match, which kicks off at 1am on Monday.

The blanket extension, which followed calls from MPs for leeway beyond the standard 2am World Cup opening hours, means individual pubs do not need to apply for special licences.

A spokesperson for Wetherspoons said “only five of the 800 Wetherspoon pubs will be open” for the match.

Greene King, which has 2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK, said over 600 pubs across England would be staying open late to show the match.

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.

Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, said they 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.”

The publican added: “No one’s going to want to work until five in the morning.