Pubs open until 5am as UK government rules out bank holiday for England vs Mexico

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has invoked emergency powers to extend pub opening hours across England and Wales until 5am on Monday morning for England’s World Cup round-of-16 tie against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time. The move allows supporters to legally watch the full match, including any potential extra time, at their local venue.

The British Beer and Pub Association welcomed the decision, describing it as a major boost for fans and the hospitality sector, with local venues bracing for one of their busiest nights of the tournament.

Despite widespread public calls for a bank holiday to follow the late-night fixture, the UK government has officially ruled it out. A ministry spokesperson confirmed that while the government is fully behind England, the established pattern of public holidays will not be changed. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson reinforced that position, stating children are expected to attend school as normal on Monday morning.

The 1am UK kick-off time — equivalent to 6pm local time in Mexico City on Sunday — had been the subject of intense speculation after severe thunderstorm warnings in the Mexican capital prompted suggestions that FIFA might move the match forward by six hours. Both football associations pushed back on that proposal, and FIFA confirmed the original schedule remains unchanged.

Thomas Tuchel’s squad will face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, one of football’s most iconic venues, which sits at an altitude of over 2,240 metres above sea level. England will need to contend not only with the thin air but with a near-capacity home crowd of close to 90,000 supporters.