Football fans in Spain prepare for two mega World Cup matches within 24 hours as England and Spain play back to back

England fans in Spain are preparing for two major World Cup games within just a few hours of each other, with bars and late night venues expecting supporters for England’s super early morning clash with Mexico before turning their attention to Spain’s face off with Portugal.

Mexico v England showdown at eyewatering early hours

Following talks of changing the times due to storm warning, official confirmation has been released that the Mexico v England match will take place at 1am BST on Monday, July 6. The UK government has announced that pubs and bars across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am. As reported in Reuters, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that fans can watch the World Cup clash against Mexico, removing ⁠red tape that would normally require individual venues to apply ​for permission to serve alcohol beyond standard hours.

Even later viewing in Spain

Across Spain, England fans will be preparing their strategy for the night shift by either pushing through or a needing disco nap ahead of the match, which will be shown at 2am local time. Football lovers living in or on holiday in Spain are being encouraged to double check with specific bars if they are planning to show the game, as many establishments that have stated they are showing the World Cup will not in fact be opening late for the super early match.

Some main sports venues such as The Clubhouse in Marbella with their late licence will be able to show the match in the early hours, with large screens, food and drinks on offer. Other smaller venues across the Costa del Sol are advertising via social media for the showings with strict bookings required, some only with pre paid tickets and others listing the venue being open but no alcohol being served.

Benidorm has seen a rise in visitors donning red and white arriving to watch the football. The popular resort has recently seen bar owners putting in requests to the council for later licenses on the terraces for crowds to enjoy the later evening games, these restrictions will have a direct affect on these viewing times. Late night sports bars such as Greeny’s Cabaret Club and Western Saloon bar are showing with tickets still available and Winners bar Benidorm open and welcoming anyone with no ticket required.

The popular town had already prepared itself for an influx of England supporters during the World Cup, with additional police patrols on duty and hotels, bars and restaurants expecting additional trade.

Many popular British and Irish bars across Mallorca and Palma are still undecided at time of publish if they will be opening specifically for the showdown.

Flannigan’s in Alicante have confirmed on social media they will be showing the match, then for those then wanting to continue the day and night into the later hours of Monday evening can head to watch Spain, as Alicante City Council has confirmed that the Pedro Ferrandiz at the Centro de Tecnificacion will be showing the Spain v’s Portugal match. Doors open one hour before kick off.

Bars across the country have been asked in abundance if the late night showing will be going ahead with many left disappointed with the answer being no. Staffing, licensing and whether they would get enough trade to stay open were all in question as potentially the end time would be around 4:30am with extra time and penalties.

Will Brits go straight from supporting England to watching Spain v Portugal?

The Spain v Portugal match is due to be shown in most of the sports bars and pubs that have advertised World Cup due to its more convenient hour, but will people be supporting England in the AM then supporting Spain with locals in the PM ? EWN spoke to a few tourists and expats about if they will be flipping over to support Spain following the England showing, a few on holiday were in favour or making a full 24 hour marathon of the matches, “I’m here for every game so will watch whatever” with older residents stating they will be pushing themselves anyway to stay up for 2am game and an “early night would be in order”.

Some who have lived in the country for many years feel that they cross over into both communities, these were more in favour of switching over in support of the country in which they now reside. “of course my heart is with England to win, but if it doesn’t go well I’ll be behind Spain”

Across Alicante, Mallorca, Benidorm and the Costa del Sol many establishments will be advertising if they are open for both matches via their Social media or for larger scale public screening via their Town Hall websites on Sunday, July 5, so strong advice if you wish to make a full Monday from start to finish is best to keep checking for announcements and if you need tickets to avoid missing out.