A number of schools across the United Kingdom have announced they will open late on Monday, allowing pupils to arrive after the scheduled start time, following England's World Cup clash with Mexico. The match, which kicks off at 1am, has prompted head teachers to adjust school hours so that students can stay up to watch the game without missing the beginning of the school day.
The unusual move comes after England manager Thomas Tuchel publicly urged parents to let their children stay up for the match. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Tuchel told parents to «write an excuse for school and let them watch», a comment that resonated with many families and school leaders. Several schools have responded by formally delaying their opening times on Monday morning.
Among the schools that have confirmed late openings are institutions in various parts of the country, with head teachers citing the late kick-off time as a reason to give pupils and staff extra time to rest and travel. The list of affected schools includes primary and secondary schools, with some allowing pupils to arrive up to two hours later than usual. Parents have been advised to check with their child's school for specific arrangements.
The decision reflects a broader recognition of the cultural significance of major football tournaments in the UK. England's World Cup campaign has drawn widespread attention, and the match against Mexico is seen as a crucial fixture. The 1am start time, dictated by the time zone difference in the host country, posed a challenge for families who wanted to watch the game live without disrupting their children's education.
School leaders have emphasised that the late opening is a one-off adjustment and that normal school hours will resume on Tuesday. Some schools have also reminded parents that attendance remains mandatory, and that pupils arriving late under the adjusted schedule will not be marked as absent. The initiative has been welcomed by many parents, who have expressed gratitude on social media for the flexibility shown by schools.
The England team, meanwhile, is preparing for a demanding match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a venue known for its high altitude. A leading physiologist has warned that England's players will face a «lack of oxygen» during the game, as the stadium sits more than 2,200 metres above sea level. The conditions could affect player performance, with fatigue and reduced stamina expected to be factors in the match.
England's World Cup campaign has so far generated significant excitement, with fans across the country planning viewing parties and late-night gatherings. The 1am kick-off has prompted creative solutions from families, including pre-recorded viewing and early morning alarms. The decision by schools to open late has been seen as a practical response to the unusual timing of the fixture.
While not all schools have adopted the late-opening policy, the list of participating institutions continues to grow. Education authorities have not issued a national directive, leaving the decision to individual head teachers and governing bodies. The approach mirrors similar adjustments made during previous major tournaments when England played late-night matches.
For many pupils, the late start will provide an opportunity to experience the excitement of a World Cup match without compromising their education. Teachers have noted that such events can foster a sense of community and shared experience among students. The match against Mexico is expected to be closely contested, with both teams vying for a place in the quarter-finals.
As Monday approaches, parents are urged to confirm their school's specific arrangements and to ensure that children arrive safely during the adjusted hours. The late opening is a temporary measure, and normal routines are expected to resume on Tuesday. The England team will be hoping that the extra rest afforded to young fans translates into a memorable victory on the pitch.
