Overview

• A Labour government source says ministers plan to class the 2026 World Cup as an occasion of exceptional national significance.
• The designation would allow pubs that usually close at 11pm to stay open until 1am without seeking extra permission.
• The measures have not been formally approved, and it is unresolved whether venues could lawfully show potential 2am kick-offs.
• FIFA is reported to be weighing UK broadcast slots at 5pm, 8pm, 11pm and 2am BST to mitigate heat in North America.
• FIFA vice-president and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani said scheduling talks are ongoing and that lessons on kick-off times have been learned.