Friday February 13th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
Pubs, clubs and bars in Glasgow will be able to open later when the World Cup kicks off this summer.
A general trading extension has been granted to on-sale licensed premises during World Cup matches.
It will allow clubs, pubs and other on-sales venues, which already televise sport, to remain open and trading for up to an extra 30 minutes after the end of play for the duration of the tournament.
The city’s licensing board approved the move in private this morning. With the United States of America, Canada and Mexico hosting the major football tournament, many kick-off times will be late in the evening or in the early hours of the morning in the UK.
Bailie Margaret Morgan, SNP, who chairs the licensing board, said: “Scotland’s participation in the World Cup is an event of national significance and a chance for the city to celebrate Scotland’s success.
“It will undoubtedly create exciting new memories for fans of football. It is also an opportunity for our diverse communities to come together to support other national teams in the tournament.
“Licensed venues know their clientele best and how to provide a well-managed environment to show the World Cup, where everyone can be part of the occasion and enjoy the experience.”
Scotland’s fixtures begin against Haiti on Sunday, June 14, with the game scheduled to kick off at 2am. They will then play Morocco at 11pm on Friday, June 19 and Brazil at 11pm on Wednesday, June 24.
The men’s national team is making its first appearance at a World Cup since 1998, when it also faced Brazil and Morocco. The tournament starts on Thursday, June 11 when one of the hosts, Mexico, take on South Africa.
Following the licensing board’s decision, council leader Susan Aitken added: “Glasgow is the home of Scottish football, and there’s a real sense of pride and anticipation across the city, as we look forward to Scotland’s World Cup journey.
“This is a moment supporters have waited a long time for and the licensing board’s decision to offer a general extension strikes the right balance between supporting our city’s hospitality sector and giving people the chance to come together and enjoy the tournament.
“The extended hours will provide an opportunity for the licensed trade to capitalise on this moment, if they wish, and give a boost to the wider economy at a moment of huge excitement for fans.”
Your Party Councillor Dan Hutchison, vice-convenor of the city of Glasgow licencing board, said:
“As the home of Scottish football, it’s only right that the city of Glasgow licencing board allows the celebration of Scotland’s participation in the tournament for the first time this century and I’m glad to have pushed to this position since our qualification late last year”
“Allowing pubs showing the game to open into the wee hours obviously makes it difficult for staff to get home afterwards so I’m glad that the board has agreed that these employers being responsible for ensuring their staff get home safely after the game.”
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