Several schools in London and across England will open late on Monday to allow students to rest after England's 1 a.
m. World Cup match against Mexico.
The round-of-16 fixture at the Estadio Azteca follows England's victory over DR Congo, where Harry Kane scored twice after the African nation took an early lead.
The 1 a. m.
BST kickoff has created scheduling challenges for schools, workplaces, and pubs. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer enacted a policy shift allowing pubs to remain open until 5 a.
m.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson previously suggested children could arrive on time even after watching the game, but multiple institutions have formally confirmed delayed schedules.
Schools Adjust Timings
Oaks Park High School in Carshalton told parents students should arrive at 9:45 a. m.
, advising that staying awake all night would leave pupils exhausted.
"We hope these arrangements strike the right balance between recognising what is likely to be a memorable sporting occasion and ensuring that students continue to benefit from being in school," the school stated.
Cheam High School in the same borough of Sutton moved its Monday morning start time to 10 a.
m.
"We would like to give our students and staff the opportunity to watch the match without worrying about getting up so early," the headteacher wrote.
Annfield Plain Infant School in County Durham and St Patrick's RC High School in Salford will both push lessons back to 10 a.
m. , though St Patrick's will open its doors at the usual 8:30 a.
m.
Similar adjustments have been reported at Hill Avenue Academy in Wolverhampton and Castle Hill Primary School in Basingstoke.
Other schools plan to show morning highlights so pupils do not feel excluded.
The match will take place at the Estadio Azteca, the historic venue that hosted the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony on Thursday, June 11.
Preparations have been tense, as Mexico supporters used loudspeakers, horns, and motorcycles to disrupt Ecuador's players' sleep before a round-of-32 match that Mexico won 2-0 on Wednesday night.
England had hoped to keep their team location private, but hundreds of fans gathered at the team hotel upon arrival, booing the coach and chanting "Mexico."
Despite weather concerns causing speculation about a schedule shift, both teams opposed changing the time less than 48 hours before kickoff.
In addition to a hostile reception, England faces geographic challenges at the Estadio Azteca, which sits more than 2,000 meters above sea level with lower oxygen levels.
Mexico holds a dominant historic record at the stadium, losing only twice in 89 matches while securing 70 victories and 17 draws, alongside a 10-match unbeaten World Cup streak at the venue.
