England will face Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup, with the match kicking off at 01:00 BST on Monday. The tie will be broadcast exclusively live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Kelly Cates presenting alongside Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards.
For those unable to stay up for the late start, BBC Two will air a full no-spoiler re-run from 07:10 BST, with a full re-run also available on demand via BBC iPlayer immediately after the match. Live radio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, while live text coverage and in-match clips will run across the BBC Sport website and app. An extended 15-minute highlights programme will also be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport Football YouTube channel, with fans also able to follow the action in 3D through BBC Sport’s World Cup 3D experience feature.
BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski acknowledged the difficulty of the scheduling for some supporters. “World Cup knockout football is absolutely unmissable, but a 1:00am kick-off isn’t realistic for everyone,” he said. “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. So, whether you’re staying up to watch every minute live or waking up to catch every moment spoiler-free, BBC Sport has you covered this Monday.”
England’s previous group game against DR Congo, which kicked off at 17:00 BST, drew an average audience of 14 million on BBC TV — the most watched moment on the BBC this year. England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to allow their children to stay up for the Mexico tie, with pubs in England and Wales permitted to remain open until 05:00 on Monday for the game.
“There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch,” said Tuchel following the win against DR Congo.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
