World Cup 2026: Music Licensing for Venues

From essential licensing checklists to using background and live music to keep fans in their seats, we’ve gathered everything you need to score big this summer. Learn how to create the ultimate match-day atmosphere that keeps the drinks flowing long after the final whistle and turn casual viewers into loyal regulars.

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66%

of Brits said if a pub was hosting special events and World Cup themed promotions they would watch the game there [1].

60%

of Brits say that atmosphere is a key factor in choosing to watch the World Cup in a pub [1].

85%

of Brits said they will watch at least one World Cup game [1].

It's More Than Music

The hospitality sector benefits from huge sporting occasions more than most, and the World Cup is the biggest football event on the planet. During peak games, such as England’s 2022 World Cup match against the USA, pubs were packed, selling 13.1 million extra pints, with a 26% increase in occupancy. Offering live music during these games can create an incredible atmosphere in your business, inviting huge potential increases in customers and money spent.

Why not consider making 2026 the year you go all out in creating priceless memories for your locals? Make special experiences for new customers and establish your business as one of the go-to places for an incredible night.

Benefits of TheMusicLicence

Live Music

Be able to host live music for all the World Cup games, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Set The Tone

Help your customers get behind their team with the right sound.

Celebrations

Celebrate every goal with ‘Samba De Janeiro’ and serenade every win with ‘Sweet Caroline.’

Opening Times

Pubs in England and Wales can stay open later during World Cup knockout games so fans can watch any extra time and remain until the final whistle.

Review Your Licences

You may need to have both TheMusicLicence and a TV licence in place before the World Cup starts to legally show the matches.* Check the UK business licence requirements here.

Deliver Unforgettable Moments

From the roar of ‘Sweet Caroline’ echoing through the stands to the nostalgic feel of ‘Three Lions’ (Football’s Coming Home) or ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’, – certain songs are woven into the very fabric of the beautiful game. These anthems have helped build a collective identity, turning a room full of strangers into a unified crowd. By tapping into fans’ energy, your venue becomes more than just a place to watch the matches, it becomes the ‘home turf’ for every fan.

By maintaining the energy through the right BPM and familiar tracks, you give fans a reason to stay for longer. If your venue can master the art of creating an incredible atmosphere, it could in-turn, create a sense of loyalty within fans meaning they won’t just come for one game, they could potentially make your venue their official headquarters for the entire tournament.

Image supplied by KAPITAL.

“Showing the World Cup has been one of the highlights of our first year at Kapital. The atmosphere has been electric, with hundreds of fans coming together to enjoy great beer, great food and some unforgettable moments on our big screens. It’s introduced so many new people to the venue, driven repeat visits throughout the tournament and reinforced what Kapital is all about – creating memorable shared experiences. It’s been a huge success, both for our guests and for the business.” – Ben Stubbs, Co-Founder and Director of Kapital

“Showing sporting events at Freight Island has become a tradition in Manchester. Over the last 6 years we have curated a loyal community of fans that help create an incredible atmosphere across all the venue’s spaces. There is something for everyone, from the family zone where the atmosphere is more relaxed, to the full on indoor and outdoor stages where you need a waterproof jacket to work in case England scores and the beers start flying.” – Mikele Corzato, Senior General Manager at Freight Island

Image supplied by FREIGHT ISLAND.

[1] A survey commissioned by PPL PRS of 500 people in the UK in October 2022.

*Public broadcast of television content may require TheMusicLicence depending on your setup; please contact us to ensure your venue is fully compliant.

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