The excluded locations are spread across England, Scotland and Wales rather than concentrated in one region. They include pubs in city centres, suburban areas and major transport hubs.
That broad footprint matters because the expanded tournament will create more viewing demand across a longer summer schedule. With 104 games being staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans will have more opportunities to watch matches outside the traditional peak slots.
The report says the BBC will broadcast 54 matches live, including the final on 19 July. Its coverage is also expected to extend beyond television, with audio coverage planned for 92 games and digital updates available for every fixture.
That split could make pubs particularly valuable for matches not shown live on free-to-air television. Supporters without access to a Wetherspoon venue may still have digital or audio alternatives, but the communal experience will depend on where screens are available.
For the 17 excluded venues, the situation is straightforward: without televisions, there will be no World Cup matches on the pub screens. The list includes locations in Blackpool, Bristol, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Plymouth and other towns.
The next storyline will be how individual pubs confirm their schedules as the tournament approaches. For most of the chain, the 2026 World Cup appears set to become a central part of the summer trade; for those 17 venues, supporters will need to look elsewhere.