Need to know

Conversations surrounding a Bank Holiday, the opening of pubs and the kick-off time of England's match against Mexico has been strife

England's World Cup 2026 journey continues with a trip to Mexico City(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

The latest updates surrounding England's World Cup clash against Mexico:

1. Bank holiday confirmation: Despite the immense public interest and growing calls from football fans, the UK government has officially ruled out granting an extra bank holiday for Monday. A ministry spokesperson confirmed that while the government is completely backing England against Mexico, the current pattern of public holidays is well established and will not be altered.
2. Government stance: Education secretary Bridget Phillipson has publicly stated that children are expected to attend school as normal on Monday morning following the late-night game. She emphasised that while it is undoubtedly a late match, it does not mean students need to miss their education the next day.
3. Pubs announcement: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has officially used emergency powers to extend pub opening hours across England and Wales until 5am on Monday morning. This nationwide relaxation ensures that supporters can legally watch the entirety of the crucial knockout fixture and any potential extra time without interruption.
4. Organisation response: The British Beer and Pub Association has warmly welcomed the decision, calling it an absolute victory for fans and a massive financial boost for the hospitality sector. Local venues are preparing for one of their busiest nights of the tournament as communities gather to watch the match together.
5. Kick-off time: The round of 16 World Cup clash between England and Mexico is officially scheduled to kick off at 1am UK time on Monday. For local audiences watching live, this translates to an evening kick-off time of 6pm on Sunday.
6. Weather warnings: There was intense speculation that FIFA might bring the kick-off forward by six hours to Sunday evening due to severe thunderstorm warnings in Mexico City. However, after resistance from both football associations regarding preparation, the governing body confirmed the original 1am UK time remains completely unchanged.
7. High altitude: Thomas Tuchel's squad will face Mexico at the iconic Mexico Stadium, otherwise known as the Azteca Stadium, which sits at an exhausting altitude of over 2,240 metres above sea level. The players will have to battle a hostile home crowd of nearly 90,000 passionate fans in addition to the challenging atmospheric conditions.
8. READ THE FULL STORY ON ENGLAND'S KICK-OFF CONFIRMATION: England vs Mexico kick-off time finally confirmed after FIFA cause World Cup fury