Key Points
- Edinburgh’s licensing board has approved a general extension for pubs and bars to remain open until 30 minutes after the final whistle of all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
- The extension applies to every tournament game, not just Scotland’s matches, enabling venues to operate through the night for late kick-offs.
- Scotland’s group stage fixtures include: Haiti vs Scotland on 14 June at 02:00 BST, Scotland vs Morocco on 19 June at 23:00 BST, and Scotland vs Brazil on 24 June at 23:00 BST.
- The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
- Some matches kick off at 05:00 BST, potentially allowing pubs to stay open past 07:00, including Australia vs play-off winner on 14 June, Austria vs Jordan on 17 June, Paraguay vs play-off winner on 20 June, and Tunisia vs Japan on 21 June.
- Venues must notify the council in advance, include alcohol service and live TV broadcasting in their operating plans, and comply with conditions.
- Police Scotland provisionally supports extensions for Scotland matches and a ‘presumption of grant’ for others, with conditions like no alcohol after full time, plastic cups, ticketing, SIA stewards, no under-18s outside normal hours, and sufficient staff.
- Over 94% of consulted Edinburgh venues plan to show matches, but many lack plans for ticketing or stewards due to availability concerns.
- The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) urged licensing boards for flexibility to allow safe fan gatherings.
- Similar extensions approved in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and anticipated elsewhere; no national Scottish Government policy yet, decisions local.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 23, 2026 – Pubs and bars across Edinburgh have received approval from the City of Edinburgh Licensing Board to extend their opening hours until 30 minutes after the final whistle for every FIFA World Cup 2026 match this summer. This decision, announced today, covers all 104 games of the tournament hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, from 11 June to 19 July, allowing fans to watch late-night kick-offs without interruption. Scotland’s opening group match against Haiti on 14 June kicks off at 02:00 BST, with subsequent games versus Morocco on 19 June and Brazil on 24 June both starting at 23:00 BST.
What Did the Licensing Board Decide?
The City of Edinburgh Licensing Board has granted a blanket extension for all World Cup matches falling outside normal licensed hours, as confirmed in their meeting on 23 February 2026. As reported by BBC News, the board’s decision means establishments can operate beyond standard closing times, provided they broadcast live TV and serve alcohol as per their operating plans. Venues must inform the council of their intentions in advance to qualify.
This follows a consultation where city officers recommended the policy, noting that for 90-minute group stage games starting at 05:00 BST, pubs could remain open past 07:00 once injury time and the 30-minute buffer are added. Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Joe Sullivan of Midlothian View, the report to councillors highlighted four such early-morning games: Australia versus a play-off winner (Turkey, Kosovo, Romania, or Slovakia) on 14 June in Vancouver; Austria versus Jordan on 17 June in San Francisco; Paraguay versus another play-off winner on 20 June; and Tunisia versus Japan on 21 June in Monterrey, Mexico.
Why Were Late Openings Needed for World Cup Matches?
Scotland’s group stage timings necessitate the extensions, with the opener against Haiti at 02:00 BST on 14 June in Boston, followed by home games against Morocco at 23:00 BST on 19 June in Foxborough and Brazil at 23:00 BST on 24 June in Miami. As detailed by BBC News, these late starts align with North American time zones, creating overnight viewing for UK fans. The tournament’s expanded 48-team format amplifies scheduling challenges.
The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) had campaigned for such measures nationwide. In December 2025, as reported by BBC News, SBPA’s Paul Togneri urged boards to show “flexibility” for temporary arrangements covering the tournament, stating:
“Fans will naturally wish to gather and celebrate, just as they did a few weeks ago when we secured our qualification. We must ensure they can do so in a safe and regulated setting, allowing our pubs to reap the benefits of this remarkable event. No pubs, no party.”
What Do Police and Venues Say About the Extensions?
Police Scotland provided ‘provisional support’ for extensions during Scotland matches in the consultation, per the officer’s report. For other games, they hold a ‘presumption of grant’ but require council consultation per case. Their proposed conditions include: no alcohol sales after full time during extensions; all extended-hours alcohol in plastic cups; capacity monitoring via ticket systems; SIA-approved stewarding; no under-18s outside normal hours; and sufficient staff on duty.
Of 159 responding venues out of 1,311 consulted, over 94% intend to screen matches, with more than 60% planning tournament-wide coverage. However, most will not ticket events or hire stewards, citing SIA availability issues, though some may add them closer to summer or for Scotland and knockout games.
How Does This Fit Broader Scottish Pub Plans?
Edinburgh joins other areas approving extensions. Aberdeen City Licensing Board granted a city-wide policy until 30 minutes post-whistle for Scotland fixtures, welcomed by SBPA’s Paul Togneri as “pragmatic” for fans in “safe and welcoming spaces”. Glasgow City Licensing Board approved similar terms for all matches. East Ayrshire indicated likely support.
No national guidance has issued from the Scottish Government, leaving decisions to local boards, as noted in the Edinburgh report. Government figures like Angus Robertson expressed desire for fans to “enjoy and celebrate” in December 2025, deferring to local authorities. The City of Edinburgh Council consultation hub outlined the proposal for premises to sell alcohol and show televised sport during extensions.
Fan zones and occasional licences remain case-by-case, excluded from the general policy.
When Is Scotland’s Full World Cup Schedule?
Scotland qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 in Group C alongside powerhouses Brazil, Morocco, and newcomers Haiti. Full group fixtures: Haiti vs Scotland, 14 June, 02:00 BST, Boston; Scotland vs Morocco, 19 June, 23:00 BST, Foxborough; Scotland vs Brazil, 24 June, 23:00 BST, Miami. Advancement could mean more late games through to the 19 July final at MetLife Stadium.
What Are the Implications for Edinburgh Fans and Businesses?
This ruling boosts Edinburgh’s hospitality sector, enabling all-night atmospheres for the 2026 spectacle. Pubs like those in the city centre can now plan confidently, fostering community spirit akin to past tournaments—Edinburgh adopted similar for 2014. Businesses must balance excitement with safety, heeding police conditions to avoid issues.
As Scotland returns to the global stage under Steve Clarke, late openings ensure no fan misses a moment, from group clashes to potential glory. The decision underscores local authorities’ role in cultural events, prioritising regulated enjoyment over rigid hours.
