Francesca Jones asks Wimbledon organizers to schedule matches favorably so she can watch England play at the 2026 World Cup. - VnExpress

British player wants Wimbledon to avoid 2026 World Cup schedule

Francesca Jones has requested Wimbledon organizers to schedule matches conveniently so she can watch the England national team play in the 2026 World Cup.

The grass-court Grand Slam Wimbledon starts on June 29 and ends on July 12, coinciding with the knockout stage of the World Cup. The tournament in North America will last until the final on July 19.

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Players and spectators at Wimbledon will have limited ability to watch their home team compete in the world's biggest football event. For many years, Wimbledon organizers, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), have prohibited the broadcasting of World Cup and Euro matches throughout the complex.

Many players competing in the tournament are football fans, and Francesca Jones is one of them. The British women's number four is a passionate Manchester United fan and regularly follows the king of sports. The World Cup is also an opportunity for the 26-year-old athlete to bond with her family.

Jones in her match against Martic in the first round of Wimbledon 2024, at the All England Club complex, London, England. Photo: Reuters

Jones in her match against Martic in the first round of Wimbledon 2024, at the All England Club complex, London, England. Photo: Reuters

"If the England team plays in the evening, I will ask to play the first or second match of the day," Jones told the Telegraph on June 24. "I have actually submitted a request to the organizers. The most important thing is to watch the match with my dad."

"I don't get many opportunities to sit with him," the 25-year-old player added. "I love watching football. Usually, I sit on the sofa and watch by myself on weekends. It would be great to sit next to my dad and enjoy an England match together."

Although Thomas Tuchel's side only drew 0-0 against Ghana, the Three Lions still have a clear path to advance with four points after the first two group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup. If everything goes as expected, England will play their round of 16 match on July 5. That time coincides with the third round of Wimbledon.

Although she has never progressed that far at her home Grand Slam, Jones will have extra confidence after passing the first round of Roland Garros in May. The player born in 2000 is currently ranked 103rd in the world, down nearly 40 places compared to February 2026.

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