England fans will not be kicked out of pubs tonight if the Three Lions’ World Cup quarter-final against Norway is delayed by the weather.
Thomas Tuchel’s men are preparing to take on the Norwegians in Miami with the crunch tie scheduled to kick off at 10pm BST.
But tropical storms and extreme heat are already threatening to hamper the start time, and with the potential for extra-time and penalties, fans could be in store for another long, nail-biting night.
It has led some to fear they would have to quickly down their pints and rush home to watch the conclusion of the match.
But the Government has now confirmed pubs can stay open in England and Wales until 30 minutes after the final whistle is blown, even if the start of the game is delayed.
England’s impressive 3-2 triumph over Mexico at the Azteca stadium in the last-16 was delayed by an hour because of severe weather.
Ministers had already pushed opening hours for the game until 2am, but have made the extra extension with flexible licensing laws.
Policing minister Sarah Jones said: ‘England fans deserve the chance to watch every minute of the quarter-final together, and that is exactly what our extension guarantees.
England fans cheer during a watch party at Boxpark Croydon for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico
Fans watching England versus Mexico at Boxpark in Wembley, London, on July 6, 2026
‘After the weather delay we saw before the Mexico game, we want to give fans and venues complete certainty that no-one will miss a moment of the action.
‘I hope pubs and bars across England and Wales are packed on Saturday night, as we hopefully move one step closer to bringing football home.’
The change has been made through new legislation temporarily extending licensing hours for eligible venues.
The same flexibility will apply to England’s remaining matches, including the final, ensuring venues can stay open until 30 minutes after the final whistle if delays occur.
The Home Secretary has the legislative power to extend licensing hours on occasions of ‘exceptional international, national or local significance’.
Around 10,000 football fans are set to attend the game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida tonight as thousands partied the night away across South Beach.
Pictures show England supporters revelling at pool parties and being escorted out of bars by Miami beach police.
One fan might have a sore head for today’s fixture as he was pictured in a starfish position laying down on the floor after one too many.
But on South Beach on Friday, Three Lions fans were focused on what they hope will be another step towards ending the country’s 60-year wait for major tournament success.
Dylan Kayek, 22, from Manchester, who now lives in Miami, said: ‘I’m very confident. Not too confident, but I feel good about us winning, definitely.
‘The big players are turning up. Bellingham, Kane – I hope they get it done tomorrow.’
Josh Taylor, 22, added: ‘I think I agree. We’re on a good run, we’re building momentum into the tournament so hopefully we just keep it going.’
Ruth Kayek, 48, said simply: ‘It’s coming home.’
