1st July 2026
July saw the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout stages and The Swan came up to the plate to ensure all Home Nation matches were shown live in the pub wherever feasible. Sadly, Scotland did not make it through from the Group stage so it was down to England to carry the UK’s hopes in the tournament and “Bring Football Home”. In the Round of 32 they met the Democratic Republic of Congo, winning 2-1 and the Community came out in force to watch the match with their friends and family bringing a great vibe to the bar and courtyard.
Having progressed to the Round of 16 and a match against Mexico to be held on July 6th, there was much speculation in the press and anticipation in the community that kick off would be brought forward to a more sociable hour in the UK. In the end, the match went ahead as planned at 1am and, although government automatic licence extension legislation would have allowed us to stay open until the wee hours, given our residential location and the wellbeing of our hardworking bar team, we decided we would not. But all were delighted to wake up to the news that England had beaten Mexico 3-2 and we looked forward to the Quarter Finals!