Thousands of England fans across London and the rest of the UK face a late night — or early morning — as the World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico could finish after 4am British Summer Time. The game, scheduled to kick off at 1am BST on Monday, may extend well beyond the expected 3am finish if extra time and penalties are required, creating a nightmare scenario for supporters hoping to watch live.
The match is set to take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where the local kick-off time is 6pm on Sunday. However, FIFA is in discussions about moving the start earlier in the day due to the risk of severe weather, including thunderstorms and flooding, which could disrupt play. According to a source confirmed to the Guardian, the kick-off could be brought forward by six hours to midday local time, which would shift the UK start to 7pm on Sunday evening — a much more manageable time for British viewers.
If the game remains at its original time, fans in the UK will need to stay up until at least 3am for the final whistle in normal time. Should the match go to extra time, the finish could be pushed past 4am, and penalties would extend it even further. This has prompted calls from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) for employers to show flexibility, urging bosses to allow staff to start later on Monday morning if they are watching the match.
The TUC has described the situation as a matter of common sense, noting that many workers will be sleep-deprived after staying up to support the England team. The union body has asked employers to cut workers some slack, particularly those in sectors where flexible start times are feasible. The appeal comes as thousands of fans prepare to gather in pubs and homes across the country to watch the crucial knockout fixture.
More than 1,400 pubs across the UK have confirmed they will stay open for the match, despite the late hour. The list, compiled by the Manchester Evening News, includes venues in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other major cities, many of which have obtained special late licenses to serve customers through the early hours. However, police chiefs have condemned the move, expressing concerns about public order and alcohol-related incidents during what is expected to be a high-tension match.
The potential weather disruption adds another layer of uncertainty. The Estadio Azteca, one of the most iconic stadiums in world football, is located in a region prone to summer thunderstorms. If the match is moved to midday local time, it would avoid the worst of the forecast storms, but it would also mean a significant change for fans already planning their schedules. FIFA has not yet made a final decision, but discussions are ongoing, with a source confirming that the governing body is weighing the risks.
For England fans, the scenario is a mix of hope and logistical challenge. A midday local kick-off would be a boon for UK viewers, allowing them to watch in the evening rather than the middle of the night. But if the original time stands, supporters face a long wait, with the possibility of extra time and penalties making it an all-nighter. The match is a knockout fixture, meaning a winner must be decided on the night, with no room for draws.
The England team, managed by Gareth Southgate, will be aiming to progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament. Mexico, playing on home soil, will have strong support from the crowd at the Azteca, adding to the intensity of the occasion. The match is one of the most anticipated of the round of 16, with both sides possessing attacking talent and a history of competitive encounters.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, fans are advised to check official updates from FIFA and the Football Association regarding any schedule changes. Pubs and bars are preparing for a busy night, with many offering special deals and extended hours. For those watching at home, the prospect of a 4am finish is a test of endurance, but for many, the chance to see England in a World Cup knockout match is worth the lost sleep.
