Sawt Falasteen - UK pubs to stay open late if home nations reach World Cup knockouts

Closing time for most British pubs is 11:00 pm (2300 GMT).

But interior minister Shabana Mahmood has agreed to extend opening hours for the knockout rounds of the soccer showpiece being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Pubs will also be able to apply for a temporary licence for any very late kick-offs that could finish beyond 2:00 am local time, given the time difference with the Americas.

"With later kick-offs at this year's World Cup, we don't want pubs to blow the final whistle before the winning goal," said Mahmood.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves added: "When our home nations do well in the World Cup, it's not just good for fans -- it's good for the economy.

"Backing later opening for pubs means more trade for local businesses, more jobs supported on our high streets and less red tape for landlords, so big games can give a real boost to growth."

England and Scotland have already qualified for the World Cup, which begins on June 11, while either Wales or Northern Ireland could still join them via the play-offs.

If England win their group, their first knockout fixture will be on either July 1 or 2.

Scotland's first knockout fixture will be on June 29 if they get through to the last 32 teams.

Thursday's announcement follows similar extensions granted for the women's Euro 2025 tournament and the men's Euro 2024 final.

The World Cup final will be held on July 19 in New York.

The last -- and only -- time a British team reached the final was when England won the tournament in 1966.

E.Qaddoumi--SF-PST