The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has suggested that nightclubs should hold screenings and act as ‘fan zones’ for the 2026 World Cup next year.
Next year’s World Cup takes place between June 11 and July 19, 2026 across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, marking the first time the tournament has been co-hosted across multiple countries.
The North American time zones mean that matches will be shown in the UK late at night, and as such, the NTIA argue that nightclubs, live music venues and bars are the ideal location to show matches because their existing licenses already cover the majority of late kick-off times. In addition, they already have high-quality sound and screen infrastructure, security and established late-night operations.
Consequently, the NTIA says that this is the perfect opportunity for late-night venues amid increased pressures caused by rising costs and shifting trading patterns.
“The 2026 World Cup is perfectly timed for the UK’s nightlife sector,” said the NTIA’s CEO Michael Kill. “With many fixtures kicking off late, our existing licensed hours already support most of the tournament, meaning clubs and live music venues are ready to host large-scale screenings without the need for significant licensing changes.
“These spaces are built for atmosphere, safety, and community. They have the sound systems, screens, staffing, security and late-night expertise to deliver unforgettable match experiences. For a sector still grappling with financial pressures, the tournament offers a vital commercial opportunity and a chance to bring people together in a way few other settings can achieve.
“We’re urging Government and local authorities to back operators by ensuring straightforward pathways for any additional licensing needs. The night time economy stands ready to play a central role in making the 2026 World Cup a unifying and prosperous moment for communities across the UK.”
There have already been stark warnings issued about the future of the UK’s nightclubs. Around 31 per cent of nightclubs closed in 2023 while last year, it was predicted that clubbing could be “extinct” by the end of the decade if clubs continue closing at their current rate.
Altogether, the UK lost 480 nightclubs between June 2020 to June 2024, with 65 closing in the first half of 2024 alone.
