All the Blackpool pubs open to 5am for England v Mexico at World Cup 2026 as million extra pints to be sold

Eleven Blackpool pubs have announced plans to stay open until 5am on Monday for England fans to watch the Three Lions last 16 World Cup clash with Mexico with a million extra pints expected to be sold.

Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open until 5am for the round of 16 match, which kicks off at 1am on Monday. However the announcement has drawn criticism from police chiefs who said the late announcement had given forces little time to organise coverage.

Football's world governing body FIFA had proposed changing the kickoff time to 7pm (BST) following weather forecasts suggesting possible thunderstorms in Mexico City, but discussions with the Football Association and the Mexican Football Federation raised concerns over player preparation, fan travel and the logistics of rescheduling such a major World Cup fixture.

The pubs opening in Blackpool are

• The Cherry Tree, Vicarage Lane
• Dog and Partridge, Lytham Road
• Farmers Arms, Lytham Road
• Duttons Arms, South Promenade
• Saddle Inn, Whitegate Drive
• Walkabout, Queen Street
• Yates, Market Street
• Castle Hotel, Central Drive
• Rose and Crown, Corporation Street
• The Bull, Waterloo Road
• The Station, Talbot Road

‘Late announcement’

The National Police Chiefs’ Council has criticised the timing of the Government’s decision to let pubs stay open until 5am for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, as more than 1,000 venues will be staying open late.

In a joint statement, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC lead for football policing, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green, NPCC lead for alcohol licensing and harm reduction, said the “late announcement” meant forces having to adapt plans and take officers away from communities.

They also asked England fans to be considerate to others and drink “sensibly” during the game, with pub chains revealing their branches will be open late - Greene King said more than 600 pubs across England will be staying open late to show the match and Marston’s said more than 400 will be open late.

‘Increase in violent incidents’

The statement said: “We recognise there will be significant public interest in England’s match on Monday morning and that many of the public will want to come together in pubs and licensed venues to enjoy the occasion.”

“We also know from previous tournaments the knock-out games sadly see an increase in violent incidents particularly in the night-time economy and an increase in domestic abuse. This is directly linked to alcohol consumption.

“The likely route for England progression has been known for a considerable time yet this late announcement leaves policing having to adapt our plans seeing officers working extended shifts which in turn takes them away from communities.

“From a policing perspective, our priority is to support people to enjoy the match safely and responsibly. We therefore ask those watching the game to be considerate – drink within sensible limits, and behave in a way that keeps you, your friends, staff, officers and the wider public safe.

“We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”

‘We announced plans as quickly as possible’

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “On the timing, obviously England’s progression in the tournament was confirmed on Wednesday evening and we announced plans as quickly as possible following this. And more broadly, we have engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup and we are grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”

Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open late for the round of 16 match, which kicks off at 1am on Monday. MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the football World Cup.

The blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours.

‘A moment of huge national significance’

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The timing of the match is unprecedented for the sector so, with more pubs opening, we expect there to be up to a million extra pints sold off the back of the game.

“Many will head to their local for this one-off occasion to enjoy the atmosphere, and it may be that, amongst the pints, we also see a lift in no and low beers, hot drinks, soft drinks and snacks sales.

“We’re encouraging everyone to enjoy the occasion responsibly, cheer on our fantastic Three Lions, and be part of a moment of huge national significance.”