England are ready for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup – but their showdown against Mexico doesn’t start until 01:00 UK time.
It presents a unique challenge for the nation, with schools and workplaces likely to be affected, and while pubs and bars may stay open longer, it does not appear that there will be an extra bank holiday as a result.
After the dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo in the previous round, Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel urged families to put football before school on Monday.
“Write an apology to the school and let them watch football. Come on,” he said. “There is so much school to go to, but the WC is every four years. Let them see.
“There’s going to be a big, big game in four days and we need everyone’s support, and especially the kids.”
However, it does not appear that the government is currently planning a public holiday. Thursday education secretary Bridget Philipson said watching the game doesn’t necessarily mean kids have to miss school.
“It’s a late game, but kids can be in school the next day,” she shared The Press Association.
Asked if she believes children can both watch the game and still come to school, she said: “I think they can, yes, but it’s up to the parents to decide how they manage this and it depends on the age of your children, how they feel. But this is about individual family decisions.”
A government spokesman adds that they are ‘supporting the England team all the way’, but said that ‘the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established’ – giving little hope of an extra day off.
No major World Cup nations appear to have issued national guidance urging children to miss school after late-night games at the 2026 tournament. The answers have largely been left to families, individual schools and local authorities.
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Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett reflects on England’s 32nd victory over DR Congo as Harry Kane lifts England into the next round with a brilliant brace.
But pubs and bars can stay open until
Pubs and bars will be able to stay open until 05.00 on Monday, so England supporters can watch the last 16 World Cup final against hosts Mexico.
The liquor license period will be extended for the match, with the decision confirmed on Thursday night.
The change removes the need for individual premises in England and Wales to apply for extended hours, providing a welcome boost to the hospitality sector.
The Home Secretary has the legislative power to extend the license term in cases of “extraordinary international, national or local importance”.
It follows extensions already granted to England’s knock-out matches, which started until 5pm.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Football may be coming home, but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.
“Pubs staying open until the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together,” he added.
“The whole country will support the team. Come on England!”
Has there ever been a public holiday for football reasons?
The idea has been floated many times over the years, and no special holiday has been given before.
But Scotland had one, didn’t they?
A public holiday was proposed by First Minister John Swinney ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup match in 28 years, and later approved and given royal proclamation by King Charles III.
Steve Clarke’s side kicked off their participation in the tournament with a 1-0 win over Haiti, kicking off at 02:00 UK time on Sunday 14 June.
Pubs were allowed to stay open until 04:00 and there was a public holiday the following day.
Scotland had a bank holiday after their first World Cup game in 28 years kicked off at 2am
Senior MP: There shouldn’t be a public holiday, just common sense
A senior member of the Conservative Party has said that school leaders and employers should use “common sense” when addressing attendance on Monday.
Asked whether Britain should have a bank holiday on Monday for those staying up to watch the game, the shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith told Sky News: “I see at 1 am.
“I think from common sense that Monday might not be the world’s most productive day. But I actually don’t think we should have a public holiday.”
He adds that people should “use common sense” on Monday itself.
“Teachers, school leaders, can decide how heavy or light the school’s curriculum is,” explains Griffith. “Maybe a few people slip off work early Monday night.
“I’m told there are parts of Britain that don’t quite share the enthusiasm for England’s performance as others. But I’ll be watching and keeping my fingers crossed.”
But what if England reach the final?
That eventuality is planned for. In January, a proposal was published for a bank holiday on Monday 20 July – but it could only come into effect if Thomas Tuchel’s side win the tournament.
The motion reads: “This House notes that the final of the 2026 World Cup will be played on Sunday 19 July 2026; recognizes that a World Cup victory by England would be a rare national moment likely to bring families, neighbors and communities together across the country, including through local celebrations in town centres, local venues and grassroots associations who will believe that a sports club will be together; strengthen community spirit and allow for shared civic pride and calls on the Government, in the event of England winning the World Cup on 19 July 2026, to designate Monday 20 July 2026 as an additional bank holiday.”
Over to you, England…