Will there be a bank holiday for England’s next game?

England’s World Cup campaign rolls on, but the Three Lions’ next match presents a logistical headache for the nation. After a 2-1 victory over DR Congo secured their place in the last-16, Gareth Southgate’s side now face Mexico in a 1am UK kick-off on Monday. The fixture, scheduled for 01:00 BST on Monday 6 July 2026 at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, is the earliest-ever knockout-stage start time for an England World Cup match and the latest kick-off in tournament history for a European side. With schools and workplaces set to be disrupted, the question on everyone’s lips is simple: will there be a bank holiday?

Why the late kick-off matters

The timing of England’s clash with Mexico is unprecedented for a major tournament knockout tie. The 1am start means the match will unfold deep into Monday morning, long after most fans have finished work or school. Thomas Tuchel, who oversaw England’s group-stage progress, has already urged families to prioritise the match over Monday’s lessons. “Write an excuse for school and let them watch football,” he said. “Come on. There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.” His intervention follows England’s dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo in the group stage, a result that required a 90th-minute winner from Ollie Watkins to secure top spot in Group C.

Yet the government has given no indication of bending the rules. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson told the Press Association that children can attend school the next day, adding that families must decide how to manage the late-night viewing. A government spokesperson reiterated that the current pattern of bank holidays is “well established,” dashing hopes of an extra day off. No other World Cup nation has issued national guidance encouraging children to miss school for late-night matches, leaving decisions to local authorities and individual families. Australia’s 2026 World Cup opener against Argentina kicked off at 11pm local time in Qatar, while the United States’ Round of 16 tie against Brazil in 2026 is scheduled for 8pm ET—both significantly earlier than England’s Monday 1am start.

Pubs, schools, and the cost of watching

The late kick-off also raises questions about pub licensing and school attendance. With the match starting at 1am, many supporters may opt to watch in licensed venues, but current rules do not guarantee extended opening hours. Under the Licensing Act 2003, pubs in England and Wales can apply for extended hours for “special events,” but a World Cup match alone does not automatically qualify. The Home Office confirmed on Thursday that no blanket dispensation has been granted for this fixture. Schools face a similar dilemma: while some may relax attendance policies, others will insist on punctuality the next morning. Phillipson’s stance suggests a hands-off approach, leaving parents to navigate bedtimes and wake-up calls.

Tuchel’s plea for families to prioritise the match underscores the unique challenge of this fixture. Unlike domestic league games, World Cup ties carry a global significance that transcends school or work schedules. Yet without official support, the burden falls on individuals to decide whether to sacrifice sleep—or school—for the sake of supporting England. The FA has yet to issue guidance for supporters planning to attend the match in person, though travel operators have warned of potential delays at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport given the late arrival time.

The bigger picture: England’s route to the final

England’s progression to the last-16 has been built on resilience, with a dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo sealing their place. Their next opponent, Mexico, will provide a sterner test, and the timing of the match could influence team selection and preparation. Tuchel’s call for fan support suggests he views the late kick-off as an opportunity rather than a barrier, but the practicalities remain daunting. The Mexican squad, fresh from a 1-0 victory over Japan, will arrive in Dallas with a settled XI, while England may rotate after topping their group with two draws and one win.

For now, the government’s refusal to budge on a bank holiday leaves fans and families to improvise. Whether through flexible working arrangements, adjusted school policies, or simply staying up late, the onus is on individuals to make the most of this World Cup moment. With no precedent for such a late knockout tie, England’s next game could set a new standard—for better or worse.

One thing is certain: when the whistle blows at 1am, millions will be watching. The question is whether the rest of the country will be ready to let them.