Schools opening late on Monday after England vs Mexico World Cup 2026 recreation – full record

Several schools across England are opening late or showing replays on Monday after England’s World Cup 2026 last-16 clash with Mexico kicks

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As England have advanced to the round of 16 and are set to play Mexico on Monday, Tuchel advises parents to “write an excuse for school and let them watch.”

The Three Lions will face off against co-hosts Mexico at 1am on Monday due to the time difference. Consequently, if the match goes to penalties, it could continue until nearly 4am.

Following England’s last-gasp victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, head coach Thomas Tuchel said, “There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.”

Heeding the manager’s advice, some schools across the nation are permitting pupils to arrive a few hours late.

However, this has not been well received by some officials.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson asserted that students should still turn up at school on time despite the 1am kick-off.

Philipson told BBC Newsnight: “I’m not going to make requests on parents around bedtime.”

But, she added, “please let’s try and get our kids in on Monday too.”

In previous World Cup tournaments, schools have suspended lessons to allow children to watch games in the knockout stages, but the time difference of this year’s competition poses some logistical challenges.

The issue has left parents split over whether their little ones should stay up to watch the match and be allowed to start school at a later time.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Parents will make their own decisions… We want everyone to enjoy the game, but children should be in school on Monday.”

Several schools have already responded to Tuchel’s guidance, permitting some pupils to arrive later or planning to broadcast the match first thing.

Steve Heal, headteacher of Malmesbury Church of England Primary School in Wiltshire, said: “I’ve asked parents not to tell their children the result before they arrive at school because we want everyone to experience the ups and downs together.

“School really matters and attendance is so important, but we also know just how significant these international sporting events are for children.”

London Colney Primary School confirmed it will broadcast a complete replay at 9am in the school hall, while Smith’s Wood primary, in the West Midlands, said it would display highlights during assembly.

Elburton Primary School will also welcome children into school early, presenting an ‘as-live’ screening at 7.40am.

Whipton Barton Federation in Exeter will be permitting children to turn up at school in football kits and posted on Facebook: “Every child in school on Monday will be automatically entered into our raffle to win one of two World Cup footballs”.

Schools within the same multi-academy trust in County Durham – Greenland, Bloemfontein, and Burnhope – have announced pupils can arrive any time before 10am on Monday and will not be recorded as late. The schools shared on social media: “the opportunity to enjoy the occasion without worrying about the school run quite so early”.

Purwell Primary School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, will be keeping registers open until 10.30am.

In a post on Facebook, the school stated: “While it is unlikely that many primary-aged children will stay up to watch the game, we appreciate that some families may have a later night than usual.”

Schools allowing pupils to arrive late:

• Purwell Primary School (Hitchin, Hertfordshire) – Registers will remain open until 10.30am on Monday to allow families a later start after the England game.
• Castle Hill Primary School (Basingstoke, Hampshire) – Pupils can arrive from 9.30am instead of the usual 8.35am start so families can enjoy the match and still get enough sleep.
• Greenland Primary School (County Durham) – School will open as normal but pupils can arrive any time until 10am without being marked late.
• Bloemfontein Primary School (County Durham) – Registers will remain open until 10am on Monday morning.
• Burnhope Primary School (County Durham) – Pupils will also be able to arrive up until 10am.

Parents’ opinions are split over the decision. One remarked: “You must be joking, the children’s wellbeing and education comes first.”

Another countered: “Let the children live life, one match is not going to ruin their education.”