Millions of England football fans faced a challenging Monday after staying up to watch the country’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, leading to widespread absenteeism and a significant economic impact. An estimated 500,000 workers were expected to call in sick on the day following the game, resulting in a forecasted £1 billion loss to the national economy due to reduced productivity and increased staffing costs.

The match, which drew more than 13 million viewers, marked the largest night-time television audience in the UK since the Apollo 11 Moon landing broadcast in 1969. To accommodate fans, pubs across the country were allowed to remain open until 5 a.m., a decision supported by Sir Keir Starmer. Approximately 6,000 establishments participated, serving an estimated 38 million pints during what became the longest Sunday drinking session in history.

While this extension provided a boost to the hospitality sector, experts warned of the negative ripple effects on workplaces. Alan Price, representing HR management firm BrightHR, noted that although pubs benefited financially, many businesses would experience a notable drop in productivity. He highlighted concerns about grogginess and lack of sleep contributing to employee absences and delayed starts.

Police forces across the UK also issued warnings regarding drink-driving risks in the aftermath of the extended celebrations. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman emphasized that drivers might still be over the legal alcohol limit the morning after and pledged to carry out roadside breath and drug tests.

In an effort to minimize disturbances during the early hours, some viewers took measures such as watching the match with subtitles to avoid waking neighbors. Despite these considerations, the collective impact of fans prioritizing the game over rest created what has been termed a national “Hangover Monday,” reflecting both the enthusiasm for England’s progression in the tournament and its consequences on workforce attendance and productivity.