England-Mexico World Cup Match Retains 1am Kick-Off After FIFA Reversal
England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico will proceed at the originally scheduled time of 01:00 BST (18:00 local time) on Monday, following FIFA's decision to reverse an earlier plan to move the kick-off six hours earlier due to anticipated thunderstorms.
Sources informed on Friday that the fixture at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium was expected to be rescheduled to 19:00 BST on Sunday. However, within hours, FIFA decided against the change.
The knockout match is now set to conclude no earlier than 03:00 BST, prompting schools, businesses, and emergency services to prepare for the late finish.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs will be permitted to remain open until 05:00 BST, a move that could result in challenging conditions for many on Monday morning.
Background on the Proposed Kick-Off Change
The initial proposal to bring the kick-off forward was reportedly due to thunderstorms in Mexico, which typically peak during late afternoon and early evening, coinciding with the highest temperatures.
The Football Association was also engaged in planning and security discussions following the deaths of four individuals after Mexico's last-32 victory over Ecuador in Mexico City on Tuesday.
An earlier kick-off would have allowed the match to conclude before the expected thunderstorms, but it would have disrupted plans for many England fans traveling to Mexico City.
The news of the proposed change was met with frustration. Mexico's manager Javier Aguirre described it as
"a kick in the stomach".
England supporters already present in Mexico City are enjoying the atmosphere alongside rival fans.
Fans traveling to Mexico City may be relieved that their plans remain unchanged. Over 3,000 England fans are expected to attend the match at the Azteca Stadium, which has a capacity of 87,000.
Travel arrangements are often finalized months in advance, and last-minute changes can be costly for supporters.
Owen Pickering, traveling with his sons aged seven, 16, and 23, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Saturday that it was
"lucky it all changed". He explained that if the kick-off had been moved to 12:00 local time, they
"wouldn't have made the match".
His journey involves a flight to Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, followed by a flight from Tampa to Mexico on Sunday, arriving around 11:00 local time. This schedule would have caused him and his party of nine to miss the game.
Pickering arranged for his children to miss school, costing £160 each, and spent £1,300 on flights, gambling on England winning their group stage.
"The whole thing has been very expensive,"he added.
Regarding FIFA's handling of the kick-off time reversal, he commented:
"It's rubbish. There's no thought about anybody travelling to the game... they don't care if they spoil it for everybody".
Implications for England Fans in the UK
Late Night Viewing on Sunday
England fans in the UK will be able to watch the full match as pubs have been granted permission to stay open later than usual.
It is uncommon for UK pubs to remain open into the early hours of Monday, and football supporters are expected to take advantage of this opportunity.
Sir Keir Starmer described the decision as
"good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together".
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, called it a
"very welcome announcement".
Many pubs, having applied for extended licensing hours to sell alcohol, are now preparing for the change in opening times.
Pub chain Greene King announced that over 600 pubs across England will remain open late to broadcast the match.
However, not all pubs will stay open. Wetherspoons stated that only five of its more than 800 pubs will remain open for the game, while other large chains such as Greene King plan to maximize the extended hours.
Claudia Carrozi, President of the UK Bartender's Guild (UKBG), told the BBC that hospitality staff working until 05:00 on Monday should receive ample notice, proper breaks, and consideration regarding their transportation home.
Although pubs have had only since Thursday to prepare, and the mixed messaging about the kick-off time likely caused confusion, Carrozi noted that some pubs may already have contingency plans in place.
She emphasized the importance of customers treating staff with respect, stating
"Without the staff, this celebration couldn't happen."
With more patrons expected to stay out late on Sunday night, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) informed the BBC that the
"late announcement"will require officers to be reassigned from other duties and work extended hours.
The NPCC urged fans to
"drink within sensible limits"and be
"considerate"while watching the match.
Adjustments for Monday Morning
The late-night opening hours will affect Monday morning as the working week begins.
Several schools have informed the BBC that they plan to open later than usual on Monday morning.
Primary and secondary schools in locations including London, Salford, the Midlands, and County Durham have indicated they will delay opening until approximately 10:00.
England squad manager Thomas Tuchel has encouraged schools to allow children to watch the match and provide flexibility for those staying up late.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated she is
"not going to seek to control what schools are doing"but emphasized that
"it is important"for pupils to attend school on Monday.
Some workplaces are adopting a more flexible approach to the start of the week.
A spokesperson for the Trades Union Congress (TUC) said:
"Chopping and changing of kick off time for a crucial England match could be difficult for workers and employers alike.
We are still appealing to employers to use their common sense and show understanding - if a worker has arranged their plans around coming in later they should still be able to do so.
But there may be staff who now want to revert to their regular hours, and that should be allowed to if possible too."
Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), noted that for some roles, such as shift work, flexible hours may not be feasible.
Concerns have also been raised about commuting and school runs on Monday morning.
The RAC motoring organization advised that those staying up for the match
"shouldn't drive until they're fully rested and hydrated".
Transport for London (TfL), which operates the London Underground, buses, and London Overground, told the BBC that services will operate as usual on Sunday and Monday morning, with no night Tube service available.
TfL recommended customers check their journeys before traveling and familiarize themselves with safe night travel options.
Similarly, Manchester's Bee Network confirmed normal service patterns for Monday morning, with the first buses and trams starting before 05:00, and night buses available for customers.
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