World Cup commencement causes chaos as couples prepare to 'sleep divorce'

Sleep experts have predicted major discourse amongst couples for the next five-and-a-half weeks as the 2026 FIFA World Cup commences.

Over the next 39 days, 48 teams will go head-to-head across 104 matches in what will be the largest and longest landmark football tournament in history.

The first, long-awaited game will kick off tonight (11 Jun) between Mexico and South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, following an elaborate opening ceremony.

A further 15 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico will host footballers and fans from every corner of the world throughout the duration of the prestigious race to the record-breaking grand prize of $50 million, as well as the iconic, solid gold FIFA World Cup Trophy.

16 cities across the US, Canada and Mexico will host World Cup games (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The tournament being hosted over 4,000 miles across the Atlantic, however, means that UK fans who lost out on a ticket will be forced to watch the games at often ungodly hours of the night.

In fact, according to sleep experts at Dreams, British spectators could be set to lose out on a total of 120 million hours of sleep. It's not just their bedtime routines that'll likely be affected by this major disruption, however, but their relationships.

New research suggests that 1 in 4 UK-based couples will consider using separate beds in a bid to survive the World Cup summer, while some die-hard fans will be expected to spend a night on the sofa, or watch from the comfort of their garages, sheds and cars.

It's a trend that experts have branded 'sleep divorce', which they predict could descend into real divorce if couples don't plan ahead.

Sleep experts have warned about the impact that anti-social hours could have upon relationships (Getty Stock Images)

Sammy Margo, a representative of the bed retail firm, explained: "Late-night World Cup matches can of course be exciting, but they can also disrupt sleep very quickly. Even a few late nights can affect mood, concentration, energy levels and recovery the next day.

"But the impact goes beyond the fan watching the match because light, noise, screen brightness and late-night celebrations may disturb partners or the rest of the household.

"The key is planning ahead."

She's not suggesting that fans give up watching what could be a history-making tournament to stay in their partner's good books, but prioritising recovery if one or both of you end up awake until dawn as a result of the World Cup.

Sleep experts say it's best to plan ahead (Getty Stock Images)

"Agreeing match-night boundaries, creating a comfortable viewing set-up and prioritising recovery between late nights can help fans enjoy the tournament without letting sleep take too much of a hit," Margo explained.

"Temperature can also play a big role in sleep quality after a late night. Cooling pillows or mattresses can help create a more comfortable sleep environment, especially during a summer tournament when disrupted routines and warmer nights may already make it harder to switch off."

Asked her top tips for preserving vital sleep for the next month, she recommended:

1. "Have the sleep conversation before kick-off.
2. Before the match starts, agree the game plan - Include who's watching, where they’re watching, and whether it’s a bed, sofa or spare room night. Sorting this before kick-off can help avoid any full-time tension, especially if one person needs uninterrupted sleep. And if someone is taking one for the team on the sofa or in the spare room, a mattress topper, like the Dream Team Ultimate Washable Mattress Topper, can help make the set-up feel much more comfortable.
3. Create a low-light match plan.
4. Bright overhead lighting late at night can make it harder for the brain to wind down and can disturb anyone already asleep. Stick to lamps, dimmed screens or softer lighting where possible and avoid switching on the 'big light'.
5. Keep noise under control.
6. Late-night commentary, sudden celebrations and loud reactions can easily wake the rest of the household. Headphones, subtitles and lower volume are simple ways to enjoy late-night matches without turning the bedroom into a stadium.
7. Make the viewing setup sleep-friendly.
8. Whether watching from bed, the sofa or a spare room, comfort matters. A supportive set-up can make late-night viewing easier, but it should also help you wind down once the match is over. An adjustable TV bed such as the Yokohama Ergomotion from Dreams is great for fans watching from the bedroom, while a sofa bed or mattress topper can make a temporary sleep set-up more comfortable if separate sleeping arrangements are needed.
9. Protect the post-match wind-down
10. Once the final whistle goes, try to avoid rolling straight into highlights or social media debates. Giving your brain time to switch off after the match can help you fall asleep more easily."