Culture
Austrian President Urges Parents to Let Children Stay Up for World Cup Match
July 13, 2026 at 05:55 PM
Coverage
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has asked parents to allow their children to stay awake late to watch the national team's World Cup match against Spain.
- Van der Bellen, in a video posted on Facebook, said: "Dear parents, let them stay up a little longer on Thursday."
- Austria faces Spain, the European champion, on Thursday evening in Los Angeles at 21:00 local Austrian time (19:00 GMT).
- The president added that watching TV late is not a good habit, but urged parents to make an exception so children can support the team live, calling it a lifelong memory.
- Austria finished second in its group behind Argentina, ahead of Algeria on goal difference, advancing to the knockout rounds for the first time since 1954.