Three major UK high street chains are shutting all their stores early on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, which kicks off at 8pm. Poundland, with 700 stores across the UK, will close at 7pm instead of the usual 8pm or 9pm. Smyths Toys will shut all its English stores at 6pm, while Currys will close nearly 300 stores at 7pm.
Poundland's Early Closure
Poundland confirmed that all branches in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and all Dealz stores in the Republic of Ireland will close at 7pm. This includes stores with designated late-night shopping on Wednesdays, as well as those in retail parks, shopping centres, and major city high streets. Alan Smallman, Poundland's retail director, said: “We want to give as many colleagues as possible the chance to watch tonight’s game – they’ve been working especially hard over the past few weeks as football fever has taken hold. Whoever they're supporting, this early end to the trading day will give them a little extra time with their families to enjoy the match.”
Currys and Smyths Follow Suit
Currys will close its nearly 300 stores at 7pm. Matthew Speight, Currys’ director of stores, commented: “Our stores will be open until 7pm, so fans will still have plenty of time to pop in and pick up a new TV ahead of kick-off.” Smyths Toys is closing every single one of its English stores at 6pm, giving staff even more time to prepare for the match.
Player Reactions
Ahead of the match, England defender Marc Guehi spoke to BBC football correspondent John Murray about former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola referencing Lionel Messi. Guehi said: "In the six months I was there, quite a few times, to be honest. His mentality. For someone his age to be still at a World Cup and still doing the things that he is doing. You just take things like that from his game and try to implement them in this game. I think as a team we have actually shown that a lot and hopefully we can carry on showing that."
