England's World Cup match against Mexico will kick off at 1am on Monday after FIFA reversed its decision to bring the game forward by six hours. The early-morning timing has prompted warnings from animal charities about noise phobias in dogs.
FIFA Reverses Schedule Change
FIFA had initially planned to move the match to a 7pm Sunday slot, but after consultation with broadcasters and fans, the governing body decided to keep the original 1am Monday kick-off. The match is part of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Noise Phobia Risks for Dogs
With the game starting at 1am, many dogs will be asleep when celebrations or reactions to goals occur. The PDSA warns that dogs have a broader hearing range than humans, making loud noises potentially frightening. Common triggers include fireworks, thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, cars, bangs, beeping, and hairdryers. Even shouting, door slamming, or people arriving can cause distress.
According to the PDSA's page on noise phobias: "Dogs can hear a much broader range of frequencies than humans, so what feels like a quiet, far away noise to you, can be loud and scary for a dog."
Signs of Noise Phobia
Dogs Trust notes that younger dogs may be more at risk if not exposed to household noises. Signs of noise phobia include: looking scared (showing whites of eyes, tucking tail), tremors, cowering, freezing, running, hiding, jumpiness, excessive barking, attention seeking, destructive behaviour, and toileting indoors. Causes can include a previous bad experience, lack of exposure as a puppy, or pain.
Veterinary Advice
The PDSA urges owners to contact a vet if their dog shows fear. "An untreated noise phobia is likely to get worse with time, so it's best to contact your vet as soon as you notice your dog showing any signs of fear," the charity states. A vet can check for pain and recommend an accredited behaviourist.
