BBC iPlayer has crashed for some viewers during England’s World Cup round of 16 clash against Mexico.
Fans have taken to social media complaining about delays, the coverage intermittently dropping out, connectivity problems and insufficient video quality.
Some supporters posted on X claiming they had heard celebrations from their local pubs and their neighbours’ houses before seeing Jude Bellingham’s goals on iPlayer.
According to DownDetector, the volume of user reports first surged around 1:54AM BST – just six minutes before kick-off at the Azteca.
Fans in pubs spoiled the goals for local residents watching on BBC iPlayer
Despite that, there was no reference to snags during the broadcast. Instead, viewers were urged to pay for their TV Licence – if they have not already – before the start of the second half.
This is not the first time the Beeb have suffered problems during England’s World Cup campaign.
Many fans were left frustrated after the coverage of the Three Lions’ round of 32 clash against DR Congo cut out unexpectedly for several seconds.
In the 53rd minute of the match, BBC screens suddenly froze as Jude Bellingham collected the ball inside the penalty area.
Over 15 seconds later, the screens returned to the sound of fans inside the stadium reacting loudly, but BBC viewers were left guessing over what had happened.
Replays soon showed that Bellingham had shimmied inside the penalty area and forced an important save out of Lionel Mpasi.
Meanwhile, the Beeb’s ‘work from home’ World Cup has also raised eyebrows.
While ITV broadcast from a plush New York City studio with the stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, the BBC’s coverage is coming from their Salford base.
The BBC are expected to head out to North America at some point during the knockouts, but have yet to confirm when their pundits and hosts will jet across the Atlantic.
Amusingly, at half time during England’s match against Mexico, BBC pundit Joe Hart remarked of the impassioned scenes at the Azteca: ‘I wish I was in that stadium’
