Pubs across England have issued an SOS for additional beer supplies ahead of a marathon World Cup session that could last up to 22 hours. Landlords fear they will run dry as bars prepare to stay open from early Sunday morning through to Monday morning to screen England's last-16 showdown against Mexico.
Match Timing and Thunderstorm Concerns
The match at the Estadio Azteca is scheduled to kick off at 1am on Monday, as planned, after FIFA rejected proposals to move the start time to avoid forecast thunderstorms. With extra time and penalties, the game could extend until 4am. However, if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, play will be halted until the storms pass, potentially pushing the conclusion into breakfast time.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has granted permission for pubs to remain open until 5am for the match. For some establishments, this means serving continuously from 7am on Sunday—the earliest permitted opening time in the UK—resulting in a 22-hour marathon session.
Massive Expected Consumption
Analysts predict that more than 38 million pints will be consumed during what is set to be England's longest-ever Sunday drinking session. Of those, 13 million pints are expected to be drunk by fans battling to stay awake to watch the action. The match is anticipated to attract the largest post-midnight television audience in 41 years, surpassing the 18.5 million viewers who tuned into the 1985 World Snooker Championship final between Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis.
Over 500,000 fans are expected to watch the match in approximately 6,000 pubs across England. Around 20% of the nation's pubs are projected to use the special 5am licence extension, according to the British Beer and Pub Association. Fans are expected to consume 17 million pints in pubs throughout the day—six million more than a typical Sunday—with an additional 21 million pints drunk at football house parties.
Industry Response
Mike Kill, chief executive officer of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “Operators across the country are focused on making sure they have enough stock from breweries for one of the busiest trading weekends of the year. Millions of additional pints will be sold in pubs across the country delivering a significant uplift in beer sales alongside increased spending on food and soft drinks for participating venues.”
Pubs are taking to social media to announce their plans. The Greedy Banker sports bar in Rainham, Medway, wrote on Facebook: “We are opening late to show the 1am game, with screens everywhere, a banging atmosphere and hopefully a night to remember.” Ronnie's Bar in Hockley, Essex, said: “We're doing it. A 1am kick off on a Monday morning is ridiculous and absolutely brilliant. We'll be open, with big England energy.”
Challenges for Some Pubs
However, industry sources indicate that many pubs will not show the game due to staff shortages, lack of preparation time, and concerns about upsetting neighbours. The late timing and extended hours pose logistical challenges for smaller venues, and not all will be able to participate in the extended licensing.
