Enraptured by the World Cup, countries rewrite rules for fans
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Paraguayan fans celebrating at a live telecast of the World Cup football match between Germany and Paraguay in Asuncion on June 29, 2026.
PHOTO: AFP
John Yoon
- Countries like Ecuador and Paraguay declared national holidays after major World Cup wins to celebrate.
- Governments worldwide are adjusting public services and rules, such as overnight metro operations in Sydney, to support fan enthusiasm.
- In Britain, pubs can stay open late for matches, but schools face debate over flexible start times after games.
AI generated
LONDON – Work, curfews, train schedules – do not worry about them.
As the World Cup reaches a fever pitch, it seems that governments everywhere are adjusting rules to accommodate fans, declaring sudden holidays or, in Britain’s case, allowing pubs to stay open all night.