The BBC is set to introduce a unique ‘Stay Up or Catch Up’ promotion for its live broadcast of England‘s match against Mexico during the 2026 World Cup.
This last-16 match will begin at 01:00 BST on Monday and will be available exclusively live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer. Presenter Kelly Cates will host the coverage, accompanied by analysts Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, and Micah Richards.
Additionally, a complete no-spoiler re-run of the game will be aired on BBC Two at 07:10 BST, and fans can access a full replay of the match on-demand via BBC iPlayer starting at 06:00 BST.
Live radio coverage will also be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, along with real-time text updates and match clips on the BBC Sport website and app.
Moreover, viewers can look forward to an extended 15-minute highlights program on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport Football YouTube channel.
Fans can also follow the match live in 3D through BBC Sport’s popular World Cup 3D experience feature.
“World Cup knockout matches are truly can’t-miss events, but a 1:00 AM kick-off isn’t practical for everyone,” commented BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski.
“We wanted to provide options for fans who may not be able to stay up late to witness one of England’s crucial matches live. Whether you’re watching live or catching up in the morning without spoilers, BBC Sport is here for you this Monday.”
Recently, 16.3 million viewers tuned in to see England’s thrilling 2-1 victory over DR Congo in their last-32 knockout game on Wednesday.
The 17:00 BST match drew an average audience of 14 million on BBC TV, marking the most-watched moment on the BBC this year.
England’s group games against Croatia and Ghana kicked off at 21:00, while the match against Panama was scheduled for 22:00.
The opening match against Croatia attracted a peak audience of 15.4 million, while the win against Panama garnered 13.8 million on ITV. The draw with Ghana brought in a peak audience of 15.4 million on the BBC.
England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, has encouraged parents to allow their children to stay up and watch the match against Mexico. Pubs in England and Wales will remain open until 05:00 on Monday for the game’s broadcast.
“There’s a lot of school, but the World Cup only happens every four years. Let them enjoy it,” said Tuchel after the win against DR Congo. “We need everyone’s support for the big match in four days, especially from the children.”