The Campaign for Pubs has written to all the other licensing boards in Scotland urging them to allow communities to come together and watch in their local pubs and bars.

With the 2026 World Cup being hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico, matches fall outside of normal opening hours. Scotland are playing their three group games in Boston and Miami with two kick-off times of 11pm and one at 2am in the morning, meaning the only way football fans can watch in the pub is if licensing boards allow them to open.   

The alternative is that thousands of supporters could be forced to watch alone at home, denying fans the chance to watch together in their local communities, while pubs miss out on a much-needed economic boost.

Pubs and bars have a unique roles in bringing communities together for major sporting moments. Many thousands of people went to pubs up and down Scotland to watch the historic night when Scotland beat Denmark to clinch their place in a football World Cup for the first time since 1988. 

Similar licensing flexibility has been granted in the past for major international sporting events, and the Campaign for Pubs says there is no reason why World Cup matches should be treated differently, especially when football is the most popular sport in Scotland. Pubs and publicans are experienced in managing such occasions, including later opening in line with licensing objectives.

The Campaign for Pubs is urging licensing boards to begin discussions now, well ahead of the tournament, to provide clarity and certainty for publicans planning for the World Cup and for fans who desperately want to watch Scotland in their local pub.

Morag Douglas, Campaign for Pubs Spokesperson for Scotland said:

“Many thousands of people went to pubs and bars up and down Scotland to watch the historic win against Denmark and there is huge excitement at seeing Scotland play in the first World Cup since 1988.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for many fans and something of huge national importance. Pubs are the natural home for shared sporting experiences and we urge licensing boards to allow communities to come together to support the national team in their local pubs and bars. We are calling for sensible, time-limited extensions for specific matches and we hope that licensing boards will show their support for Scotland and for Scottish pubs, by allowing them to open for Scotland games. We commend Aberdeen Licensing Board for their sensible decision and urge other licensing boards to do the same”.

Greg Mulholland, Campaign Director for the Campaign for Pubs said:

“Apart from those of the Tartan Army who are able to travel, the best place to watch Scotland’s World Cup games will be in pubs and bars and already pubs are being asked if they will be allowed to show the matches. 

“Allowing late openings for Scotland matches would provide a significant boost to pubs all over Scotland, which will help trade and generate additional income for local economies — all while giving fans a memorable, well-managed environment in which to watch the games and we hope, to see Scotland have a great tournament!”

ENDS