Several schools across England are opening late or showing replays on Monday after England's World Cup 2026 last-16 clash with Mexico kicks off at 1am. The match, played in Mexico, could extend to nearly 4am if it goes to penalties. Following England's last-gasp victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, head coach Thomas Tuchel advised parents to "write an excuse for school and let them watch."
Schools Respond to Tuchel's Call
Heeding the manager's advice, some schools are permitting pupils to arrive a few hours late or are planning to broadcast the match first thing. Steve Heal, headteacher of Malmesbury Church of England Primary School in Wiltshire, said: "I've asked parents not to tell their children the result before they arrive at school because we want everyone to experience the ups and downs together. School really matters and attendance is so important, but we also know just how significant these international sporting events are for children."
London Colney Primary School confirmed it will broadcast a complete replay at 9am in the school hall, while Smith's Wood primary in the West Midlands said it would display highlights during assembly. Elburton Primary School will also welcome children into school early, presenting an 'as-live' screening at 7.40am.
Government and Officials React
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson asserted that students should still turn up at school on time despite the 1am kick-off. Phillipson told BBC Newsnight: "I'm not going to make requests on parents around bedtime. But, please let's try and get our kids in on Monday too." A Downing Street spokesperson added: "Parents will make their own decisions... We want everyone to enjoy the game, but children should be in school on Monday."
In previous World Cup tournaments, schools have suspended lessons to allow children to watch games in the knockout stages, but the time difference of this year's competition poses logistical challenges. The issue has left parents split over whether children should stay up to watch the match and be allowed to start school later.
List of Schools Allowing Late Arrivals
- Purwell Primary School (Hitchin, Hertfordshire) – Registers will remain open until 10.30am on Monday.
- Castle Hill Primary School (Basingstoke, Hampshire) – Pupils can arrive from 9.30am instead of 8.35am.
- Greenland Primary School (County Durham) – Pupils can arrive any time until 10am without being marked late.
- Bloemfontein Primary School (County Durham) – Registers open until 10am.
- Burnhope Primary School (County Durham) – Pupils can arrive up until 10am.
Whipton Barton Federation in Exeter will permit children to turn up in football kits and posted on Facebook: "Every child in school on Monday will be automatically entered into our raffle to win one of two World Cup footballs." Purwell Primary School stated: "While it is unlikely that many primary-aged children will stay up to watch the game, we appreciate that some families may have a later night than usual."
Parents Divided
Parents' opinions are split. One remarked: "You must be joking, the children's wellbeing and education comes first." Another countered: "Let the children live life, one match is not going to ruin their education."
