Fifa is considering moving England’s last-16 World Cup match against Mexico from its scheduled 1am kick-off on Monday, as thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast around the current start time. One proposal would bring the game forward to 7pm on Sunday, six hours earlier — but the uncertainty has only deepened the row over the government’s decision to extend pub opening hours until 5am that morning.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said the “late announcement” meant officers would have to be taken away from other duties and work longer hours, even though England’s likely route through the tournament “has been known for a considerable time”. The policing body urged fans to be “considerate” and “drink within sensible limits” while watching the crucial knockout match, in which the losing team will be eliminated.
“Police criticise timing of government's late decision to extend pub hours to 5am for England's World Cup match.”
The government initially said it would not relax licensing laws further beyond existing extensions for the tournament. But late on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that pubs could remain open until the end of the game. A Downing Street spokeswoman said the government “announced plans as quickly as possible” after England’s progression was confirmed by Wednesday evening’s 2-1 win over DR Congo. She added: “More broadly, we have engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup and we are grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed described the change as “one of the fastest changes in the law that we’ve seen”, noting that previous measures “hadn’t covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night”. The match is not expected to finish until at least 3am, and could run later if it goes to penalties.
Knock-out games in previous tournaments have led to an increase in violent incidents and domestic abuse, the NPCC warned. “This is directly linked to alcohol consumption,” the council’s football and alcohol policing leads said in a joint statement. “We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”
The hospitality sector welcomed the move. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We all know…” — her full statement was not published, but the industry broadly backed the decision to let venues stay open for the late-night kick-off.