The World Cup being hosted jointly by Canada, the United States and Mexico means later kick-offs that push matches deep into the night for British viewers. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has agreed to extend opening hours if any of the home nations make it to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Extended hours for knockout games
London pubs will be able to stay open until 2am during this summer's football World Cup as the capital's bars continue to struggle with rising costs and noise complaints. Pubs will also be able to apply for a temporary licence for any very late kick-offs that could finish beyond 2am, given the time difference between the United States and the United Kingdom.
"With later kick-offs at this year's World Cup, we don't want pubs to blow the final whistle before the winning goal," Ms Mahmood said.
"So we're showing red tape the red card and taking pub hours to extra time so fans can get another round in without missing a single kick.
"We're toasting our boys at the World Cup and our locals this summer. Fans won't need to go home, before football's come home."
The Home Secretary is reported to have previously been considering only allowing pubs to open later if one of the home nations reached the quarter-finals of the tournament. But she has agreed to extend opening hours until 1am for most knockout games and 2am for those kicking off at 10pm.
Industry reaction
The British Beer and Pub Association described the move as "a win for pubs, jobs and community spirit". England and Scotland have already qualified for the tournament, which begins on June 11, while either Wales or Northern Ireland could still join them via the playoffs.
It comes as pubs in the capital continue to face increasing noise complaints from neighbours and rising taxes, wages and alcohol duty costs. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan is set to be given a key role in licensing the capital's late-night economy.