England fans will down 42million pints watching match against Norway in the World Cup on Saturday night with pubs staying open to 2am and 22million in front of TVs

By ROBERT FOLKER, NEWS REPORTER Published: 16:53, 10 July 2026 | Updated: 16:58, 10 July 2026 Pubs will stay open until 2am tomorrow night as England take on Norway in the World Cup as fans are expected to drink 42 million pints. Around 22 million people - one in three of the population – are estimated to stay up late to watch England's World Cup quarter-final, which kicks off at 10pm. As the heatwave continues across Britain, bars raced to stock up on beer for what is predicted to be their busiest night since England's 2018 World Cup semi-final, larger than the Euro 2024 final on a Sunday, the 2022 World Cup in winter, and the Euro 2020 final amid Covid. It is anticipated that 2.5 million drinkers will squeeze into England's 35,000 pubs for the game, with an estimated 21 million pints set to be drunk in boozers, and another 21 million downed at home. A 17m audience is expected on ITV, plus 5m on ITVX streaming to devices, the highest ratings since a combined 24.2 million watched the Euro 2024 final, BARB figures show. Viewing figures will be boosted by many children being allowed to stay up for the game, with no school on Sunday. However, this did not stop 9.1 million tuning into England's round of 16 clash against Mexico, which kicked off at 2am on Monday. The BBC said this was the biggest television audience ever for a live UK broadcast between 2am and 4am. Around 22 million people - one in three of the population – are estimated to stay up late to watch England's World Cup quarter-final, which kicks off at 10pm. Pictured: Fans watching England vs Mexico at Boxpark It is anticipated that 2.5 million drinkers will squeeze into England's 35,000 pubs for the game, with an estimated 21 million pints set to be drunk in boozers, with another 21 million downed at home. Pictured: Fans watching England vs Mexico at Boxpark A 17m audience is expected on ITV, plus 5m on ITVX streaming to devices, the highest ratings since a combined 24.2 million watched the Euro 2024 final, BARB figures show. Pictured: Fans watching England vs Mexico at Boxpark It also set the record for the most-watched football game in US history, with 44 million watching on across the pond. Pubs and bars in England and Wales saw transactions rise 367 per cent between 1am and 3am and 746 per cent between 3am and 5am, compared to a typical Monday morning, according to payments company Square. It is estimated that nearly 6 million pints were served during England's historic win over Mexico, but pub bosses are hoping to sell more than triple tomorrow night. Mike Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, which represents pubs and other venues, said: 'Millions of extra pints will be sold on what will be a huge day. '2am licences are a giant bonus for the trade. Thousands of pubs across the country will be open into the early hours, giving a welcome lift to businesses. 'Publicans have ordered millions of pints of extra beer to make sure they have enough stock for a blockbuster day.' Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: 'The pub is the best place for fans to come together and cheer on England, with up to 5.5 million extra pints to be sold during the England match.'  Meanwhile in Miami, the team will be backed by their biggest army of supporters with 30,000 fans expected inside the Hard Rock Stadium.  Many of tomorrow's festivals and events will bring forward start times to finish ahead of kick-off, with 20,000-strong crowds to watch on big screens at Silverworks Island in East London and 90s Fest at Don Valley Bowl in Sheffield.  If England are able to overcome Norway and Erling Haaland, it will set up a semi-final clash against either Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday, July 15, at 8pm. The final takes place on Sunday, July 19, with another 8pm kick-off time. A bank holiday could be granted if Thomas Tuchel's men are able to go all the way and lift the World Cup. Government sources said Sir Keir is 'minded to' recommend a public holiday if Harry Kane and his teammates succeed in bringing home the  trophy for the first time in 60 years. Asked about a possible bank holiday, he told reporters at the Natsummit in Ankara: 'Let's see what happens if we get there, but on the question of a bank holiday, I think I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.'