England's thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup quarter-finals on July 6, 2026, sparked celebrations across the nation. Fans gathered in pubs, schools, and even cars to witness the dramatic late-night match, showcasing their passion and dedication despite the unusual hour.
Fans Celebrate in Pubs and Schools
In Wiltshire, Malmesbury Church of England Primary School allowed students to watch the match "as-live" together. One pupil expressed optimism when Jude Bellingham scored, stating, "It was looking really good for England." The excitement reached a peak as the final whistle blew, with students celebrating their team's victory as if they had watched it live.
Pubs across England, including the Brittania Inn in St Austell, Cornwall, opened overnight to accommodate fans. Landlord Phil Lafferty noted, "It was an incredible evening and something we have never done before." The Ship Inn in Pembrokeshire offered free drinks for goals, although only a handful of patrons attended. Despite low turnout, Thea Barratt of Cramptons Sports Bar in Kent reported record earnings, stating, "I took more money than I did on New Year’s Eve."
Unique Viewing Experiences
Not all fans were in pubs or schools. Eight-year-old Wren watched the match with his mother, Jess Clark, who said, "It was incredible, my son and I were jumping up and down hugging each other singing Wonderwall." Meanwhile, Michelle from Evesham had a memorable experience watching the game from a car park at Birmingham Airport. As her husband arrived, she spotted a taxi driver watching the match and ran over to catch the action, excitedly hitting the driver on the shoulder when Harry Kane scored.
