Schools letting kids start late after England’s 1am World Cup game vs Mexico | UK | News
Mandatory Credit: Photo: GRAHAM WHITBY BOOT/SUFC/Shutterstock (16973226g)England fans at Southend United-owned bar The Blue Eagle watch the World Cup match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Southend at Sea, United Kingdom. 01/07/2026England fans watch the England v Congo World Cup match at The Blue Eagle pub in Southend on Sea, United Kingdom – 01 July 2026 (Image: GRAHAM WHITBY BOOT/SUFC/Shutterstock)
Tuchel urged parents to “make an excuse for school and let them watch” as England face Mexico in the round of 16 on Monday.
The Three Lions will lock horns with hosts Mexico at 1am on Monday due to the time difference, meaning the match could continue until almost 4am if it goes to a penalty shoot-out.
After England’s dramatic final victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, head coach Thomas Tuchel said: “There are so many schools to go to but the World Cup happens every four years. Let them watch.”
At the administrator’s urging, some schools across the country allow students to arrive several hours late.
However, not all officials liked this suggestion.
Education Minister Bridget Phillipson insisted that despite school starting at 1am, pupils should still get to school on time.
Some schools will open from early morning hours (Image: undefined)
Phillipson told BBC Newsnight: “I won’t be making requests of parents as bedtime approaches.”
Still, he added: “Let’s please try to pick up our children on Monday.”
In previous World Cup tournaments, schools have suspended classes to allow children to watch matches during the knockout stages, but the time difference created by this year’s competition is causing significant logistical challenges.
The debate left parents divided over whether their children should be allowed to stay up until the game and start school at a later time. A Downing Street spokesman said: “Parents will make their own decisions… We want everyone to enjoy the game but children must be at school on Monday.”
Many schools responded to Tuchel’s advice by allowing some students to start later or arranging for the match to be broadcast first thing in the morning.
Steve Heal, headteacher at Malmesbury Church of England Primary School in Wiltshire, said: “I have asked parents not to tell their children the results before they come to school because we want everyone to experience the ups and downs together.
Tuchel says parents should let their children watch the match (Image: Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“School is really important and participation is so important, but we also know how important these international sporting events are for kids.”
London’s Colney Primary School confirmed a full replay would be shown in the school hall at 9am, while Smith’s Wood primary school in the West Midlands said highlights would be shown during the assembly.
Elburton Primary School will also welcome students to school early and hold a ‘live’ screening at 7.40am.
The Whipton Barton Association in Exeter will allow children to come to school wearing football jerseys, declaring on Facebook: “On Monday every child at school will automatically be entered into our draw to win one of two World Cup footballs.”
Schools under the same multi-academy trust in County Durham – Greenland, Bloemfontein and Burnhope – said pupils could arrive at any time before 10am on Monday and would not be marked as late. “An opportunity to enjoy this opportunity without worrying about school starting so early,” the schools shared on social media.
Purwell Primary School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, will be keeping registrations open until 10.30am.
In a statement on Facebook, the school wrote: “Whilst it is unlikely that many primary aged children will stay awake to watch the game, we are aware that some families may be staying up later than usual.”
Schools that allow students to arrive late:
Purwell Primary School (Hitchin, Hertfordshire) – Enrollments open until: 10.30 on Monday to allow families to start later after the England game.
Castle Hill Primary School (Basingstoke, Hampshire) – Pupils can attend from: 9.30am Instead of the usual 8.35am start so families could enjoy the game but still get enough sleep.
Greenland Elementary School (County Durham) – School will open as normal but students can come at any time until: 10 am without being marked late.
Bloemfontein Primary School (Durham Region) – Registration will be open until: 10 am Monday morning.
Burnhope Primary School (Durham Region) – Students can also attend until: 10 am.
The decision created a divide between parents. One commented: “You must be kidding, children’s welfare and education comes first.”
Another said: “Let the children live their lives, one match will not disrupt their education.”
