England’s last-16 World Cup tie against Mexico will kick off at 01:00 BST on Monday — a time slot that has prompted the BBC to launch a special ‘Stay Up or Catch Up’ offer, while police chiefs have condemned the government’s late decision to allow pubs in England and Wales to stay open until 05:00.
The match, broadcast exclusively live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer with presenter Kelly Cates joined by Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards, will also be available as a full no-spoiler re-run on BBC Two from 07:10 BST. A re-run will be available on demand on BBC iPlayer immediately after the game, alongside live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, live text coverage, in-match clips, an extended 15-minute highlights programme, and a 3D experience on the BBC Sport website.
“England face Mexico at 1am Monday; BBC offers catch-up, police slam late pub openings, and Prince William pledges to attend final.”
“World Cup knockout football is absolutely unmissable, but a 1:00am kick-off isn’t realistic for everyone,” said BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski. “We wanted to make sure there was an option for those fans who just can’t stay up to experience one of England’s biggest matches live.”
The late-night timing follows a peak audience of 16.3 million who watched England’s dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo on Wednesday, averaging 14 million — the most watched moment on the BBC this year.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to let their children stay up. “There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch,” he said after the DR Congo win. “There will be a big match in four days, and we need the support of everyone, especially the children.”
Meanwhile, Prince William has pledged to fly to the USA if England reach the final. Appearing on the New Heights podcast, co-host Travis Kelce asked: “They make it to the finals, you’re gonna make the trip across the pond?” The Prince of Wales replied: “Definitely. If we’re in the finals.” Kelce reacted: “Oh, I love it, man.” Fellow co-host Jason Kelce added: “Well, maybe. Maybe. See you both there for the final.”
William, who said he feels “quietly confident”, described success as “winning it”. He praised Tuchel’s approach: “He’s got them into a really good frame of mind. The team playing with more freedom, more fluidity… if we lose, we lose playing the way we want to play. And if you’re going to score four goals, we’ll score five.” Of Harry Kane, he said: “Harry Kane could end up being one of the greatest English strikers we’ve ever seen.”
To reach the final, England must beat Mexico, then win a quarter-final and semi-final. Police have already voiced concerns about Monday morning mayhem as pubs prepare to serve until dawn.