guidance / Advice and FAQs / Business operations

Advice for pubs showing World Cup 2026 matches

June 2, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a major opportunity to attract customers who want to watch live football matches in the great atmosphere provided by pubs and bars.

This guide has been produced in partnership with the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and the National Police Chiefs’ Council with the aim to encourage licensing authorities, the licensed trade and the police to work together to ensure a safe and successful tournament.

It is also supported by the Institute of Licensing, National PubWatch, and Best Bar None.

If you are planning to show FIFA World Cup 2026 games, which will be played from 11 June and culminating in the final on 19 July, in your pub this summer, you may well already have management practices in place to deal with any issues that arise.

If not, the advice below is intended to be helpful and concise guidance to ensure that you have busy and successful events over the tournament.

This guidance is for premises in England & Wales.