World Cup 2026: Police brace for Monday morning mayhem after England v Mexico 5am pub parties | OneFootball

Police chiefs have slammed the government for the late announcement that pubs could remain open, leaving policing having to adapt their plans and officers working extended shifts

The showdown with co-hosts Mexico is due to kick-off at 1am at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet.

The match could also go to extra time and ultimately penalties.

Pubs will be allowed to stay open to 5am on Monday

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If this happens, England fans could be hitting the streets just as early-morning workers are heading into the office and other workplaces.

Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open until 5am for the round of 16 match.

But the National Police Chiefs’ Council criticised the timing of the Government’s decision.

They also urged England fans to be considerate to others and drink “sensibly” during the game, with hundreds of pubs across England due to stay open for the match.

A Met Police spokesperson told The Standard: “We are aware pubs will be allowed to stay open until 05:00hrs on Monday and will have sufficient officers to deal swiftly with any issues or offences.

“We encourage all football fans to enjoy watching the match safely without causing disruption to others.”

The police have questioned the ‘late announcement’ which has left forces having to adapt plans

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In their statement, the police chiefs said: “We recognise there will be significant public interest in England’s match on Monday morning and that many of the public will want to come together in pubs and licensed venues to enjoy the occasion.

“We also know from previous tournaments the knock-out games sadly see an increase in violent incidents particularly in the night-time economy and an increase in domestic abuse. This is directly linked to alcohol consumption.

“The likely route for England progression has been known for a considerable time yet this late announcement leaves policing having to adapt our plans seeing officers working extended shifts which in turn takes them away from communities.

“From a policing perspective, our priority is to support people to enjoy the match safely and responsibly. We therefore ask those watching the game to be considerate – drink within sensible limits, and behave in a way that keeps you, your friends, staff, officers and the wider public safe.”

Greene King

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Greene King said more than 600 pubs across England will be staying open late to show the match and Marston’s said more than 400 will be open late.

There were already signs that many businesses are expecting some staff not to show up on Monday morning, and others to be struggling having stayed up into the early hours.

Firms have scheduled almost a third fewer meetings as well as cancelling telephone calls, according to data by Gong Labs, a platform that connects to business calls and emails.

Chief executive Amit Bendov said: “Our latest data suggests early morning meeting cancellations are already running above a typical Monday, and UK teams have booked roughly 30% fewer morning meetings than usual.

“But the work itself isn’t stopping, it’s simply changing channels – suggesting employees and businesses across the UK are planning around World Cup fixtures so results aren’t sacrificed in favour of supporting the Three Lions.

“Rather than stepping away from work altogether, people are shifting how they communicate with partners and customers.

“The lesson for leaders isn’t to fear a drop in productivity during the tournament.

“When supported with the right tools that let them stay productive, major events like this can actually help boost morale, strengthen relationships with customers and create more opportunities for meaningful conversations that support revenue growth.”

Ros Morgan is chief executive of HOLBA

HOLBA

Unions are calling for employers to be flexible if England fans stay up until the early hours.

Ros Morgan, chief executive of Heart of London Business Alliance, which represents over 500 businesses, said: “I don’t think our economy can afford for Monday to become an unofficial bank holiday where nobody comes to work.“

“Having said that, this is a one off, so common sense should apply. I’m sure most businesses will be pretty flexible about what happens on Monday morning.

“They’re all now well used to flexible and hybrid working, so as long as the work ultimately gets done, it may make sense for many to show some leeway and push Monday morning meetings back a bit.”

TfL has confirmed that they will not be running any special services around the game, but have reminded fans to checking before they travel and to stay safe.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Our night-time transport network features more than 100 bus routes to help people travel across London, as well as our regulated taxi and private hire networks.”