Glasgow City Council has become the latest council to confirm venues will be able to stay open later for Scotland’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
(Image: PA)
Pubs and bars in Glasgow have been granted permission to stay open later during the World Cup.
Any licensed venue in the city which already televises sports for their customers will be able to stay open for up to 30 minutes after matches for the duration of the tournament – as late as 4am depending on kick-off times. The proposals were agreed by the city’s licensing board.
Glasgow City Council is the latest to confirm licensing plans for the World Cup which takes place in the USA, Mexico and Canada from June 11 until July 19.
Scotland are set to face Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in the group stage as Steve Clarke‘s men return to the finals for the first time in 28 years.
Dubbed “a once‑in‑a‑generation event” for Scotland, the council hopes the extension will provide a timely boost to Glasgow‘s hospitality sector.
Both the City of Glasgow Licensing Board and Glasgow City Council recognised the “important role that licensed venues play in bringing people together for major sporting moments”.
Cllr Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, welcomed the decision. She said: “Glasgow is the home of Scottish football, and there’s a real sense of pride and anticipation across the city, as we look forward to Scotland‘s World Cup journey.
“This is a moment supporters have waited a long time for and the licensing board’s decision to offer a general extension strikes the right balance between supporting our city’s hospitality sector and giving people the chance to come together and enjoy the tournament.
“The extended hours will provide an opportunity for the licensed trade to capitalise on this moment, if they wish, and give a boost to the wider local economy at a moment of huge excitement for fans.”
Bailie Margaret Morgan, chair of the licensing board said; “Scotland’s participation in the World Cup, is an event of national significance and a chance for the city to celebrate Scotland’s success. It will undoubtedly create exciting new memories for fans of football. It is also an opportunity for our diverse communities to come together to support other national teams in the tournament.
“Licensed venues know their clientele best and how to provide a well‑managed environment to show the World Cup, where everyone can be part of the occasion and enjoy the experience.”
Scotland will head Stateside after a send off friendly with Curacao at Hampden on May 30 before a final warm up friendly with Peru in Harrison, New Jersey on June 6.
Steve Clarke‘s side will open their campaign in Boston against Haiti on June 13 before facing Morocco at the same venue on June 19 and Brazil in Miami on June 24.
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Rabat – The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and ticket costs have already become a major talking point.
Reports show that even the cheapest seats are far more expensive than in past tournaments. For some group-stage games, tickets start around $180 (1,650 MAD), while knockout rounds and finals can climb into the thousands of dollars.
For Morocco’s matches, the official FIFA platform lists prices that vary by opponent and stadium. Against Brazil at MetLife Stadium (New Jersey, June 13, 2026),
Tickets range from $265 (2,433 MAD) in Category 3 to $700 (6,428 MAD) in Category 1.
The match with Scotland at Gillette Stadium (Boston, June 19, 2026) is slightly cheaper, starting at $220 (2,020 MAD) and reaching $600 (5,509 MAD).
Morocco’s final group game against Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, June 24, 2026) offers the lowest entry price at $180 (1,652 MAD), with top seats at $500 (4,591 MAD).
If Morocco advance to the round of 16, ticket prices rise sharply. The cheapest seats are expected to cost around $270 (700 MAD), while premium seats could reach $700 (7,000 MAD).
FIFA has introduced a dynamic pricing system, meaning costs can shift depending on demand, location, and availability.
Fans must register on FIFA’s ticketing platform and enter a lottery system to secure seats. Successful applicants are charged automatically before receiving tickets.
The steep rise has drawn criticism, with many supporters arguing that ordinary fans are being priced out of attending.
Still, demand remains high, especially for Morocco’s headline match against Brazil, which is already among the most sought-after fixtures.
The D.C. United right back started his pro career representing the United States. Now, the 28-year-old is part of a revitalized Guatemalan side looking to qualify for its first-ever World Cup.
WTOP celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month this Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with stories spotlighting the contributions, culture and accomplishments of Hispanic communities across the D.C. region.
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DC United’s Aaron Herrera embraces his Guatemala roots
On a dark, quiet evening in Panama City, Aaron Herrera was relaxing with his teammates of the Guatemala men’s soccer national team by playing cards before resting for a World Cup qualifying match.
Suddenly, a large truck pulled up next to the team’s hotel, blaring loud music into their bedrooms. After several minutes, hotel staff removed the truck from the property. As Herrera and his teammates attempted to laugh about the situation, multiple fireworks exploded outside their windows.
“I think it shows how passionate the fans are, and the lengths they’re willing to go to help their team out,” Herrera said. “I respect it. It’s something that shows how passionate these fans are in these countries.”
The tactic — known in Latin American nations as a way to keep opposing players from resting before game day — was something Herrera had mentally prepared for before joining Guatemala. The D.C. United right back started his career representing the United States before being persuaded to switch allegiances to play for Los Chapines.
Now, the 28-year-old is part of a revitalized Guatemalan side looking to qualify for its first-ever World Cup.
Making the switch
Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, by a Guatemalan father and an American mother, Herrera became a U.S. prospect early. Before playing three seasons with the University of New Mexico, he played on multiple U.S. national youth teams and was a part of the Real Salt Lake Youth Academy.
“Growing up, the dream was always a play for the U.S.,” Herrera said. “They were the team that was here. They were the team that I watched all the time.”
Once he turned pro, he continued to receive call-ups from the U.S., including being named to the 2021 Olympic qualifying team for the Tokyo Games.
However, after making only one appearance on the senior team in 2021 and the growing depth chart at his position, Herrera began examining his international career. A possible option was appealing to FIFA, soccer’s governing body, to make a one-time switch of allegiance to representing Guatemala.
“I didn’t think too far into it, because I didn’t know that it was a real possibility,” Herrera said.
The push grew as Herrera’s then-Salt Lake teammate Rubio Rubin pressured the defender to fill out the paperwork to join Guatemala. Rubin, who also played in the U.S. youth system, had also elected to make the switch to join the Central American side.
“(Rubin) would bug me every day before training and stuff, being like, ‘Hey, when you going to come play for Guate? We’re waiting for you,’” Herrera said, admitting that Rubin helped with submitting the paperwork.
Yet, concerns remained. While Herrera grew up with a Spanish-speaking father, his Spanish was, admittedly, “not very good.”
Guatemalan officials still persisted, with coaches and Rubin assuring him that he would fit in perfectly.
It would take one more year before Herrera completed the process and joined Los Chapines.
“Everyone over there is really nice,” he said. “They welcomed me with open arms from Day One.”
Guatemala-American balance
Since making his debut on July 15, 2023, Herrera has made 18 appearances for Guatemala, becoming a focal point in its attack as a wing player.
Over the summer, Herrera and his teammates led Guatemala to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament after an upset victory over Canada. During that match, he shined with a diving header save in the first half and scoring his penalty kick in the shootout, earning the nickname “El MVP guatemalteco” by the TURN commentary team.
His status as an American-born player within the Guatemalan national team places extra responsibility to perform in high-pressure moments like the Gold Cup. Herrera said he embraces it, understanding that his American identity will go wherever he goes.
He said the switch helped him grow up and embrace all of his roots.
When he’s in Guatemala, he enjoys eating the local cuisine and spending time with his family. However, he still carries some of his American flair with him.
Herrera admits that he’s working on his “broken Spanish” while his teammates join him in speaking English. During workouts, he plays country or rap music, surprising his entire team’s delegation.
“It’s special being able to blend the two,” Herrera said. “It’s a lot of fun being able to sort of embrace both cultures, both ways.”
Aaron Herrera of Guatemala kicks the ball against the United States during the first half the Gold Cup 2025: Semifinal round at Energizer Park on July 2, 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri.
(Getty Images/Kyle Rivas)
Getty Images/Kyle Rivas
Canada forward Tani Oluwaseyi, left, and Guatemala defender Aaron Herrera (7) battle for the ball during the second half a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals soccer match Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Minneapolis.
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
AP Photo/Abbie Parr
Guatemala’s defender Aaron Herrera celebrates his team’s win at the end the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group D football match between Guadeloupe and Guatemala at the Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, New Jersey on July 4, 2023.
(AFP via Getty Images/KENA BETANCUR)
AFP via Getty Images/KENA BETANCUR
United States defender Aaron Herrera (2) heads the ball in front of Trinidad and Tobago forward Jabari Mitchell (11) during the second half an international friendly soccer match, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, in Orlando, Fla.
(AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Guatemala defender Aaron Herrera, left, and United States forward Patrick Agyemang battle for control of the ball during the second half a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal soccer match, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in St. Louis.
(AP/Scott Kane)
AP/Scott Kane
Aaron Herrera #7 of Guatemala controls the ball against Cuba during the first half at DRV PNK Stadium on June 27, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
(Getty Images/Megan Briggs)
Getty Images/Megan Briggs
Personal growth
The switch allows Herrera to make trips to Guatemala more frequently, even if it is for soccer-related reasons. Before that, he had last visited the country when he was 6 years old. Family members travel from a neighborhood in Guatemala City to watch him play.
His father, Diego Herrera, thinks “it’s the best thing ever” that his son is on the Guatemalan national team, Aaron Herrera said. Diego arrived to the U.S. at 15 years old, so he did not have the chance to become a professional soccer player.
Now, Diego travels to all over North America and the Caribbean with his mother, Aaron’s grandmother, to watch his son play.
“For him, he’s able to sort of live his dream through me a little bit,” Aaron Herrera said. “All the fans know who he is. … He’s got this big bald head that everyone can spot from a mile away, and so he’s taking pictures with all the fans.”
When he is back in D.C., Herrera said he meets a Guatemala fan “at least once a day.” His wife Lily helps “shell-shocked” fans take their photo with her husband.
Once, a group of construction workers near his home in D.C. pulled over their truck to meet Herrera and thank him for joining Guatemala.
For Herrera, representing Guatemala is “very special to me.”
Now, all of his focus shifts toward helping Guatemala qualify for the 2026 World Cup. While it is a personal goal to play in the tournament, helping Guatemala qualify would be “the biggest thing that I could possibly achieve in my career,” Herrera said.
“I’ve grown a ton as a player, as a teammate, as a friend, and just overall as a person,” Herrera said. “I think it’s a big credit to Guatemala and them welcoming me there.”
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