Pub landlords across the UK are waiting to learn whether England's early-hours World Cup kick-off against Mexico will be moved forward due to the risk of weather disruption. The match, scheduled for Sunday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, currently has a 6pm local time start, which translates to 1am on Monday in the UK.
Talks Underway Over Earlier Kick-Off
Talks are ongoing between FIFA, the match's governing body, and the two teams about moving the game forward because of possible storm conditions in Mexico's capital. Multiple reports suggest an earlier kick-off time of 12pm in Mexico, meaning 7pm on Sunday in the UK, is being considered. The Football Association has yet to receive confirmation of whether the start will be moved, despite the fact that kick-off time would be less than 48 hours away.
Pubs Allowed to Stay Open Late
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open late for the round-of-16 match. MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the football World Cup. The blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours.
The timing of the decision was criticised by the National Police Chiefs' Council, who said the “late announcement” meant forces having to adapt plans and take officers away from communities. Greene King said more than 600 pubs across England will be staying open late to show the match, and Marston's said more than 400 will be open late. Stonegate Group said 610 Craft Union, 182 managed sites and hundreds of leased and tenanted pubs will be opening late, and Fuller's said 30 pubs were planning to stay open as of Friday afternoon.
Schools Adjust for Match
Meanwhile, schools around the country said they will allow pupils to start late on Monday so that they can watch the match. The potential earlier kick-off would make it more accessible for families and children to view the game without staying up into the early hours.
