England fans are gearing up for a late-night World Cup match against Mexico, kicking off at 1am BST on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Following a tense victory over DR Congo, England advanced to the round of 16, prompting questions about school schedules and pub licensing hours.
Pub Opening Hours Extended Until 5am
Pubs across England and Wales have been allowed to extend their licensing hours during the World Cup, typically until 1am or 2am for later kick-offs. However, the government's 2am rule applies only to matches starting between 9pm and 10pm, which does not cover the 1am Mexico kick-off. On July 2, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a special exemption allowing pubs to stay open until 5am on Monday for the England vs Mexico game. He said: "Football might be coming home but we're making sure fans don't have to. Pubs staying open til the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!"
No National Guidance on School Delays
While some schools have independently decided to open later on Monday to accommodate late-night viewing, the government has issued no official advice. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the matter on ITV News, stating: "It's a late game, but children can be in school the next day. It's for parents to decide how they manage this, and of course, it depends on the age of your children and how they feel. But this is about decisions for individual families."
Thomas Tuchel Encourages Children to Watch
England manager Thomas Tuchel weighed in during a press conference, urging parents to let their children stay up. He said: "Write an excuse for school and let them watch football. There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch."
Parental Decisions and Local School Policies
With no central directive, parents are advised to check with their child's school for any late-opening arrangements. The match could extend into the early hours, potentially affecting attendance. Fans are encouraged to plan accordingly, balancing the excitement of the World Cup with school responsibilities.
