England face Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday evening local time, but the game will kick off at 1am on Monday morning for those in the UK08:22, 05 Jul 2026England take on Mexico in the World Cup last 16 on Sunday evening local time, presenting something of a challenge for supporters hoping to tune in back in the UK. The time difference means kick-off is at 1am on Monday morning for those at home.‌For a short while it appeared the match might be moved forward to a more reasonable 7pm on Sunday night UK time owing to the weather forecast, but it was subsequently confirmed that nothing would alter. That leaves England supporters having to forgo what is likely to be an entire night's sleep if they wish to watch.‌Some will undoubtedly want to enjoy the quintessential British pub atmosphere while they do so and the good news is that regulations have been relaxed for the night. Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to remain open until 5am, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday.‌MPs had urged for flexibility beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in effect for England fixtures during the Football World Cup.The Prime Minister said: "Football might be coming home, but we're making sure fans don't have to. Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.‌"The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!" The blanket extension means individual pubs do not need to apply for extended hours. Communities Secretary Steve Reed has written to council leaders informing them of the changes.Prior to the announcement, he had urged them to approve extended opening hours for pubs so that fans could watch the match in full, after claiming there were "still some councils that are saying no to the pubs".Despite the rule change, however, many pubs are still expected to keep their doors shut. A number of pub owners have cited difficulties with staffing and their proximity to residential areas as reasons for remaining closed.‌Wetherspoon and Greene King pubs open for England against MexicoA spokesperson for Wetherspoons said "only five of the 800 Wetherspoon pubs will be open" for the match. Greene King, which has 2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK, confirmed that more than 600 of its pubs across England would be staying open late to screen the game.The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) revealed earlier this year that the number of pubs across the UK had dropped from 46,829 in 2020 to 44,656 in 2025. Tommy Higgs, co-owner of The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, confirmed he would not be opening up for the England fixture.‌Speaking to LBC, Mr Higgs said: "We're in a built-up community around here and I think it's just a little bit disrespectful for our locals to have that sort of noise at 5am."The landlord continued: "No one's going to want to work until five in the morning. We're not a nightclub, we're a local pub in a small town, and I am not allowed to annoy my neighbours because I'll be into holy hell with that."A lot of our staff have second jobs. We employ a couple of full-timers, but mainly part-time, and I would never expect that of them."Article continues belowSpeaking about the Government's move to relax trading hours, Mr Higgs said: "For some, I think it's a huge benefit, especially in your bigger built-up cities, where there are places that open later, but for here and where we are, it's just not something that we will do. There's other things they can be doing to help the pub trade out – staying open until five o'clock in the morning on a Monday – for some is a benefit, but for others it's just completely pointless, really."Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, remarked: "We're delighted to have been granted permission to stay open late as England progress through the tournament. There's nothing quite like the atmosphere in our pubs and it gives fans the chance to come together, soak up the occasion and hopefully celebrate! We know this will be a popular match, so urge guests to secure their spot as soon as possible."England are set to take on Mexico in the last 16 following their 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday.