How to Watch England vs Mexico and Rice Injury Boost
Declan Rice is expected to be fit for England's World Cup round of 16 clash with Mexico despite managing a painful neural issue. The Arsenal midfielder was substituted late in the win over DR Congo, but manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he is likely to start – even as doubts persist over teammates Reece James and Jarell Quansah. With the kick-off time potentially moving due to weather conditions, fans face a nervy wait before the high-stakes encounter in Mexico City.
Injury Update: Rice to Play Through Pain
Rice has been dealing with a neural problem affecting his hamstring and lower back throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026. He soldiered through the last-32 tie against DR Congo, even filling in at right-back, before being withdrawn in stoppage time. Tuchel revealed the severity of the issue after the match:
“I asked him. He said ‘I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain.’ When Declan tells you he is in terrible pain then you know he cannot take it any more.”Despite that, Rice has responded well to treatment and is set to line up from the start on Sunday.
England’s defensive options remain thin: right-back Reece James has missed two games with a hamstring injury and is yet to return to full training, while back-up Jarell Quansah (ankle) is progressing but not yet confirmed fit. Tuchel will hope his star midfielder’s presence provides stability in a knock-out tie already surrounded by logistical drama.
Kick-Off Time Chaos: Why England vs Mexico Could Move
The match is currently scheduled for 18:00 local time on Sunday 5 July – which is 01:00 BST on Monday 6 July for UK viewers. However, organisers are monitoring weather conditions and could shift the start time with less than 48 hours’ notice. Both sets of players are aware of the uncertainty: Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers told media they are ready for any changes. Any adjustment would aim to protect player safety and fan experience, but it adds another layer of tension to an already huge fixture.
How to Watch England vs Mexico – TV Channels and Live Streams
With the match set for an early-hours kick-off, knowing where to watch is crucial. Broadcast details by territory are as follows:
- United Kingdom: Live on BBC and ITV, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Coverage will likely begin from midnight BST.
- United States: Official broadcaster not yet confirmed. World Cup rights are typically held by Fox and Telemundo; check local listings closer to kick-off.
- Mexico: Not confirmed yet. Mexican networks traditionally show World Cup matches, but no official announcement has been made.
- Other territories: Please consult your local FIFA World Cup rights holder. For a global overview, visit the official FIFA website.
Keep checking 90min. football/scores for any late changes to the schedule.
What They Said
“We will be ready regardless. The focus is on delivering a performance that makes the nation proud.” – Morgan Rogers
“It’s not ideal, but we’ve prepared for all scenarios. When that whistle blows, nothing else matters.” – Marcus Rashford
Key Takeaways
- Declan Rice is likely to start against Mexico despite a neural injury that caused him “terrible pain” in the last match.
- Reece James remains a major doubt, while Jarell Quansah’s status is unclear – potentially leaving England short at right-back.
- The kick-off time (18:00 local Sunday / 01:00 BST Monday) could be moved at short notice due to weather.
- UK viewers can watch live on BBC and ITV; broadcast details for other countries are not yet confirmed.
Quick Facts
Match: England vs Mexico – World Cup round of 16
Date: Sunday 5 July 2026 (into Monday 6 July for UK)
Kick-off time: 18:00 local time (01:00 BST) – subject to change
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
TV (UK): BBC / ITV
Stream (UK): BBC iPlayer / ITVX
US broadcast: Not yet confirmed