Schools embrace World Cup final fever with live screenings, later starts and jersey days
Staying up to watch the World Cup final is a tradition for many football fans in Singapore. This year, some schools are making it a little easier.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts as he leaves the ground after their win in the World Cup semifinal match between England and Argentina in Atlanta on Jul 15, 2026. (Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman)
New: You can now listen to articles.
This audio is generated by an AI tool.
Read a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST
Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
SINGAPORE: Instead of telling students to turn in early and miss football’s biggest spectacle, some schools are finding ways to help them celebrate the upcoming World Cup final while ensuring that they are well-rested enough for classes.
From overnight watch parties and later school start times to national team jersey days, some schools in Singapore are making special arrangements, recognising that many students will be staying up to watch the 3am kickoff between Spain and reigning champions Argentina on Monday (Jul 20).
Among the schools embracing the World Cup fever is Victoria School, which is organising an overnight watch party for up to 350 Secondary 1 to 4 students.
This is a voluntary event to foster school spirit and camaraderie among students, said Principal Low Chun Meng in a letter seen by CNA.
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Students will report to school on Sunday night before turning in for a few hours’ sleep in the hall. They will then watch the final together before resting again, showering and heading to lessons, which will begin at 7.30am.
A minimum of five to eight teachers will be at the event.
“It’s a good idea, especially for the students to bond,” said 15-year-old Lucas Augustin, a Secondary 3 student at Victoria School.
“But it’ll be even better if school was cancelled the next day. After all, it’s unlikely that the students can concentrate in class given the adrenaline and lack of sleep.”
Another school is expecting a watch party of more than 300, comprising students, staff and parents.
Singapore Sports School said the idea of a live screening was proposed by its student council.
Students will organise games and activities during half-time, while parents will support the event by providing snacks.
Lessons will start later at 10am, with non-boarding students allowed to stay overnight in the auditorium before having breakfast on campus ahead of lessons.
Principal Ong Kim Soon said the initiative has been well-received and that he hopes students will look back on it as a time when the school community came together to do something different.
“Beyond enjoying the match, we hope the experience of lobbying and organising will strengthen the student leaders’ confidence and sense of agency,” Mr Ong said.
“We also hope that the match will showcase the best of football and sporting excellence that our student-athletes can aspire to.”
LATER START TIMES
Other schools are making it a little easier for students to recover after the early-morning final.
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) is starting classes later than usual, at 8.30am, while Monday’s chapel will be rescheduled to Wednesday instead.
Principal Kevin Pang said he wanted to support families in creating “meaningful memories together, with adequate time for rest” while preserving a key part of the school’s identity.
“If your family chooses to watch the FIFA World Cup final together, I hope you enjoy the occasion and create lasting memories,” Mr Pang said.
“I also ask every ACSian to get sufficient rest, return ready to learn and honour our rescheduled Chapel on Wednesday by arriving punctually and participating wholeheartedly,” he added.
Hwa Chong Institution is starting classes even later on Monday, at 9.30am, while the dismissal time remains unchanged.
In a message to parents, the school said: “We hope the later start will provide our students and staff with a little more time to rest before the school day begins, while also acknowledging a sporting occasion that brings people around the world together.”
Other schools pushing back the start of the school day on Monday include Methodist Girls’ School and St Joseph’s Institution (SJI).
“We encourage all students, whether or not they choose to watch the final, to exercise good judgment, maintain healthy sleep habits and ensure that they are sufficiently rested and ready for the week ahead,” said SJI.
Schools are also finding other ways to tap into the World Cup excitement.
ACS (International) is inviting students to wear the jersey of any national football team to school on Friday.
Principal Gavin Kinch said in a letter addressed to parents that jerseys from countries that did not qualify for this year’s World Cup are also welcome, but club jerseys will not be allowed.
“We hope this provides students with a fun opportunity to celebrate the world’s biggest football tournament and enjoy the excitement surrounding the final,” Mr Kinch said.
Subscribe to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and catch all 104 matches live on mewatch. Visit mewatch.sg/fifaworldcup for more details.
Source: CNA/dc(gr)
Sign up for our newsletters
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST
Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
About The Author
