UK pubs set to introduce new two-hour rule change

Many UK pubs look set to be allowed to stay open later next summer to help England fans follow the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup. Licensing laws can be relaxed in certain circumstances, allowing some boozers to stay open longer.

This has previously been done for major sporting occasions, particularly fixtures that finish late in UK time or are recognised as a significant national event. Next year's World Cup is taking place in North America with matches held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

But in a bid to mitigate the impact of the scorching summer conditions, FIFA is said to be considering later kick-off times.

Sky Sports reports that games are expected to begin at 5pm, 8pm, 11pm, and 2am BST, following a schedule similar to that of the last Club World Cup.

In normal circumstances, pubs are only allowed to be open until 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 12am or 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, as per MailOnline, creating a potential headache for football fans.

However, a Government source told The Times that the World Cup was certain to be declared an "occasion of exceptional national significance", meaning fans may be able to watch some of the later kickoffs in their local.

This dispensation would allow pubs and bars that normally have to close at 11pm for an additional two hours without obtaining special permission, the newspaper reports.

But, it hasn't been officially approved, and it's not clear whether there would be scope to allow pubs to stay open long enough to show 2am kickoffs, according to the outlet.

This follows Fifa vice-president Victor Montagliani's statement at a Leaders Week London event earlier this week that "lessons have been learnt" on kick-off times.

The official, who is also president of the Concacaf organisation the host nations belong to, said: "Heat is always an issue in our region because the summers are hot.

"Our media guys are in those conversations daily with European media, with other world media, in terms of what's best.".

England has won their first five qualifiers for the tournament and officially needs one victory and a draw to qualify for the highly anticipated international tournament.

However, Thomas Tuchel's side could secure their place this month if Serbia and Albania lose points beforehand.