Pubs in East Lothian are being consulted on the possibility of broadcasting Scotland’s World Cup matches live, as the men’s national team prepares for its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The tournament, set to begin in the summer of 2026 across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will see matches kicking off outside the usual pub licensing hours, with some games starting as late as 02:00 UK time.
To gauge interest among local establishments, East Lothian Council has initiated a survey aimed at licensed venues. This survey allows pubs to express their willingness to show the late-night matches and to specify which games they wish to broadcast. Notable fixtures include Scotland’s match against Haiti on June 14, 2026, at 02:00, a game against Morocco on June 19, 2026, at 23:00, and a clash with Brazil on June 24, 2026, also at 23:00.
In addition to indicating their interest in broadcasting, the survey asks pubs if they would consider hiring qualified stewards and selling tickets for the events to manage attendance effectively. This initiative aims to ensure a well-organized environment for fans celebrating Scotland’s return to the World Cup.
Proposed National Holiday for Scotland
In a related development, Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, announced plans to propose a national holiday for the day following Scotland’s opening game against Haiti. Swinney suggested making Monday, June 15, 2026, a bank holiday, pending approval from the King. He emphasized the importance of allowing the public to celebrate this historic moment, stating that he would collaborate with local authorities to potentially extend pub hours during the tournament.
The East Lothian Council encourages all licensed venues to participate in the survey to help shape the decision-making process regarding extended licensing hours during the FIFA World Cup. The council stated, “In advance of making a decision on how East Lothian Licensing Board will deal with extending licensing hours during FIFA World Cup 2026, they are interested in gauging how many premises may be interested in showing Scotland’s group stage games.”
The survey will remain open until Tuesday, January 20, providing ample opportunity for pubs to voice their opinions and preferences regarding this significant sporting event. As Scotland prepares to make its mark on the world stage, local establishments are poised to play a crucial role in fostering community spirit and celebration among fans.
