World Cup 2026: Throw open London's pubs for England v Mexico game, Sadiq Khan urges town halls | OneFootball

London bosses are also urging Sir Sadiq to consider running the Night Tube into the early hours of Monday morning so fans can get home

The Mayor of London stepped in after the Government rejected pleas for a blanket extension of licensing hours for the World Cup clash at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet.

Harry Kane’s team is heading for the challenging showdown after the England captain scored twice in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan is urging town halls to work with pubs so they can stay open for the England v Mexico game

PA

As millions of fans are working out where to watch the Mexico game, a spokesman for Sir Sadiq said: “The Mayor is urging local authorities in the capital to work closely with the hospitality industry to allow pubs to stay open into the early hours of Monday morning - so that Londoners can back our pubs and cheer on in England as they take on Mexico.”

London business chiefs also piled pressure on the Government to allow pubs to stay open for longer and urged Sir Sadiq to consider running the Night Tube into the early hours of Monday so fans can get home.

Ros Morgan, chief executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, which represents over 500 businesses, said: "Major international sporting moments like the World Cup bring people together and create a real boost for London's hospitality and night-time economy.

“Where England progresses to exceptionally late knockout fixtures, it makes sense for the Government to show flexibility and allow pubs and bars to remain open for the duration of the match, including any extra time and penalties.

Sir Sadiq Khan is being urged to consider running the Night Tube into the early hours of Monday

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While the Government passed measures to allow pubs to stay open until 2am for England matches in the knockout stages that kick off between 9pm and 10pm, this does not apply to Monday’s match.

Instead, pubs will have to apply for a "Temporary Event Notice" from their local council, the licensing authority, to stay open.

But Sir Keir Starmer, an Arsenal fan, was coming under huge pressure to make it easier for pubs to stay open for England’s remaining World Cup games.

Reform UK economic spokesman Robert Jenrick slammed the licensing process: “This is ridiculous.

“Just issue a decree that any pub in the land can stay open late on Monday. It’s been done before.”

Thousands of Londoners slipped off work early on Wednesday to watch England beat the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But skills minister Baroness Smith is urging fans not to bunk off on Monday, or allow their children to miss school.

Harry Kane scoring his second goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo

PA

Liberal Democrat Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson also called for a blanket extension to licensing hours for the Mexico match during business and trade questions in the House of Commons on Thursday.

He said: “Harry Kane’s heroics last night means that many England fans are looking forward to an early morning or a late night, depending on one’s perspective, on Monday, and this is a good thing.

But business minister Kate Dearden poured cold water on the prospects of a nationwide relaxation of the licensing laws.

She said: Pubs can stay open for an extra two or three hours, depending on how late the match starts, so that pubs can still open as the game finishes.

“Regarding Sunday, unfortunately that doesn’t apply with the 1am start, but going forwards we’re absolutely backing our pubs, so people can watch and support our lads, and it’s coming home hopefully.”