Pubs to open late for home nations World Cup knockout games

Pubs across the UK will be able to stay open late for any home nation knockout match during the men's World Cup this summer.

The government announced the changes that will allow pubs in England, Scotland – and if they qualify – Wales or Northern Ireland, to stay open until 01:00 or 02:00.

The government had previously said the extended hours could only apply for the finals.

The World Cup kicks off next June in the US, Canada and Mexico, which include time zones at least five hours behind the UK.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said fans will be able to enjoy another round as extra time will be given to games with a 22:00 kick-off.

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

"So we're showing red tape the red card and taking pub hours to extra time so fans can get another round in without missing a single kick."

The home secretary has the legislative powers to extend pub opening hours on occasions of "exceptional international, national or local significance".

The decision follows a six-week public consultation, launched by the government, on extending pub licensing hours to allow fans to come together and support teams.

The British Beer and Pub Association told The Sun the latest announcement was "a win for pubs, jobs and community spirit".

England and Scotland have already qualified for the competition running from 11 June to 19 July.

Meanwhile, Wales and Northern Ireland have the chance of reaching the tournament when they compete in the play-offs, where a total of 16 teams will battle it out for four slots at the competition.

So far, England has been drawn to play Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L, and Scotland will play Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.

Scotland's men are playing at the World Cup for the first time since 1998.