In a move that has shocked the international education community, Mexico has announced the cancellation of the entire school year for 2026 to facilitate the FIFA World Cup. The decision, aimed at freeing up stadiums, transport, and security, means more than 30 million students will lose a full academic year. Meanwhile, in Britain, where the World Cup will also be hosted, the government has confirmed schools will remain open. Parents and unions alike are breathing a sigh of relief.

“This is a no-brainer,” said Sarah Jenkins, a mother of two from Sheffield. “My kids can’t afford to miss a year of learning. We’re already struggling with the cost of living. Imagine the childcare costs if schools shut.”

Union leaders have been quick to praise the Department for Education. “Teachers are stretched thin, but closing schools would be catastrophic for working families,” said Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU. “We’re already seeing the effects of the pandemic. This would set back a generation.”

The contrast could not be starker. In Mexico, the decision was framed as a necessary evil. “We are a football-mad nation, but education must come first,” said a spokesperson for the Mexican teachers’ union. “This is a disaster.”

Economists warn that the impact on Mexico’s future labour force could be severe. “A missing year of education will reduce lifetime earnings and widen inequality,” said Dr. Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. “It’s a short-term gain for long-term pain.”

Back in Britain, the focus is on ensuring that the World Cup does not disrupt learning. The government has pledged additional funding for schools to manage events and transport. “We’re proud of our education system,” said a DfE spokesperson. “We will not sacrifice children’s futures for a football tournament.”

But not everyone is happy. Some parents worry about overcrowding and disruption. “It’s going to be chaos,” said a parent from Birmingham. “But at least my kid will still be in school.”

As the Mexican government faces a backlash, the British approach is being held up as a model. “We’ve learned from past mistakes,” said a source at No.10. “We won’t let football undermine our children’s education.”