England have advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, but their match against Mexico does not begin until 1am UK time.
This poses unique challenges for countries where schools and workplaces are likely to be affected, and there is still no guidance on whether pubs will be able to remain open to show matches or whether there will be a bank holiday as a result.
After a dramatic 2-1 win over Democratic Republic of Congo in the previous round, Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel called on his family to play some football before heading to school on Monday.
“Use an excuse to go to school and let me watch football. Come on,” he said. “There are so many schools to go to, but the World Cup happens every four years. Let’s keep an eye on it.”
“We have a very big match coming up in four days. We need the support of everyone, especially the children.”
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Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to allow their children to watch England’s clash with Mexico at 1am on Monday.
However, it does not appear that the government is currently planning a bank holiday. On Thursday, the education secretary bridget phillipson He said attending the game does not necessarily mean children have to miss school.
“It’s a late game, but the kids can go to school the next day,” she said. Press Association.
Asked if she thought children could watch games and still go to school, she said: “Yes, but it’s up to the parents to decide how to manage this and it depends on the child’s age and mood. But this is about individual family decisions.”
A government spokesman added that they were ‘supporting the England team through and through’ but said ‘current banking and public holiday patterns are well established’, giving little hope for additional holidays.
It appears that no major World Cup nation has issued national guidance encouraging children to miss school after late-night matches at the 2026 tournament. The response was left largely to families, individual schools and local authorities.
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Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett looks back on England’s round of 32 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo as Harry Kane lifted England to the next round with a brilliant brace.
What are the current rules for pubs and bars?
Earlier this year the government relaxed licensing laws to accommodate late starts, but licenses themselves are granted by local councils.
Pubs were allowed to stay open until 1am if a knockout game involving England and Scotland kicks off between 5pm and 9pm, or 2am if it starts between 9pm and 10pm.
However, this does not include a 1am start time, but businesses can apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) to change their opening hours.
The cost is £21 and the usual rules are that you must apply 5 working days in advance and can apply online. However, there are reports that some local authorities will not process TEN requests within 5 working days (including the 2-day pre-match weekend). Although many pubs and bars have applied ahead of time after identifying potential routes in the UK.
Community Secretary on Thursday, although there were no specific guidelines regarding late starts for games. steve reed An appeal was made to the local council to extend opening hours for a 1am kick-off.
In a post to
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed: sky news The Government has written to councils asking for pub opening hours to be extended, but points out it is up to local councils to make the decision.
Have you ever had a bank holiday for a football-related reason?
This idea has been mentioned several times over the years, but it has never been given a special bank holiday before.
But Scotland had one, right?
Ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup match in 28 years, Prime Minister John Swinney proposed a bank holiday, which was later approved by King Charles III and issued a royal decree.
Steve Clarke’s side began their participation in the tournament with a 1-0 win over Haiti on Sunday 14 June, kicking off at 2am UK time.
Pubs were allowed to open until 4am and there was a bank holiday the next day.
Scotland had a bank holiday after their first World Cup match in 28 years kicked off at 2am.
Senior Member: There should be no bank holidays, we just need to use common sense.
A senior Conservative councilor said headteachers and employers should use “common sense” when dealing with attendance issues on Monday.
The shadow business secretary was asked whether the UK should be given a bank holiday on Monday for those who don’t sleep in to watch the game. Andrew Griffith said sky news: “I will watch at 1 a.m.
“Common sense tells us that Monday may not be the most productive day in the world, but I really don’t think we should have a bank holiday.”
He added that people should “use common sense” on Monday.
“Teachers, principals, can decide how heavy or light the school curriculum is,” explains Griffith. “Maybe some people get off work early on Monday evening.
“I hear some parts of England don’t quite share the same enthusiasm for England’s performance as others, but I’ll be watching and pointing the finger.”
But what if England makes it to the final?
The situation had already been planned. In January, a proposal was announced to make Monday 20 July a public holiday. However, this can only come into effect if Thomas Tuchel’s side wins the tournament.
The proposition is as follows: “This House records that the 2026 World Cup Final will be played on Sunday 19 July 2026, and recognizes that England’s World Cup victory will be a rare national moment that can bring together families, neighbors and communities across the country, including through local celebrations in high streets, community venues and grassroots sports clubs, and believes that enabling people to celebrate together will strengthen community spirit and provide opportunities for shared civic pride, if: We call on the Government to ensure England win the World Cup on 19 July 2026 and to impose an additional bank holiday on Monday 20 July 2026.”
Leave it to you, England…
