World Cup 2026: BBC launches 'Stay Up or Catch Up' program for England vs Mexico match

The BBC will launch a 'Stay Up or Catch Up' special for the live broadcast of the match between England and Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. The round of 16 match will kick off at 01:00 BST on Monday and will be broadcast exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with presenter Kelly Cates joined by Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards. There will also be a spoiler-free replay of the match on BBC Two from 07:10 BST, with a full replay available on demand from 06:00 BST on BBC iPlayer. There will also be live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, along with live coverage and in-match clips on the BBC Sport website and app. The 15-minute mix show will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport's football YouTube channel. Fans can also watch the match live in 3D on BBC Sport's popular 3D World Cup experience.

"World Cup knockout football is unmissable, but a 1am kick-off isn't realistic for everyone," said Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC director of sport. "We want to ensure there's an option for fans who can't stay up late to experience one of England's biggest matches. So whether you're staying up late to watch every minute live or waking up to watch every moment spoiler-free, BBC Sport is ready for you this Monday. From our exclusive live broadcasts to bespoke replay experiences, we're making it easier than ever for viewers to enjoy the World Cup."

A record audience of 16.3 million watched England's dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday. The 17:00 BST broadcast attracted an average of 14 million viewers on BBC television, making it the most watched moment on the BBC this year. England's World Cup group matches against Croatia and Ghana kick off at 9:00 p.m., while the match against Panama is at 10:00 p.m. The opening match against Croatia (15.4 million peak viewers) and the win over Panama (13.8 million peak viewers) were broadcast on ITV, while the draw with Ghana attracted 15.4 million peak viewers on the BBC. England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to allow children to stay up late to watch the match against Mexico, while bars in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday for the match. "There's a lot to learn, but the World Cup only happens every four years. Let's see," Tuchel said after the win over DR Congo. "There will be a big match in the next four days, and we need everyone's support, especially the children."

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