England's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico is facing a significant schedule upheaval, with FIFA considering moving the kick-off time forward by six hours to avoid severe weather. The match at the Estadio Azteca was originally set for 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST Monday), but could now start at noon in Mexico City (7pm BST Sunday) due to the threat of thunderstorms and flooding, according to multiple reports.
FA Scrambling as Decision Looms
The Football Association was caught off guard by the news, learning of the potential change through media reports just as manager Thomas Tuchel and his squad wrapped up a training session in Kansas City. A source confirmed to The Guardian that FIFA is in discussions over the change, but the governing body has not officially confirmed nor denied the move when contacted by Reuters. The FA is particularly concerned about the impact on travelling England supporters, many of whom have planned to arrive in Mexico City on Sunday morning and could now face a scramble to get to the stadium in time.
Players Adopt Flexible Mindset
Despite the disruption, England's players have adopted a resilient tone. Morgan Rogers told reporters: "We'll be ready regardless of the time. The earlier the better because you want to play. It's another obstacle to get over." Marcus Rashford echoed that sentiment, adding: "We're ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. Obviously it's not ideal but also it doesn't matter." The squad is due to fly to Mexico City on Friday afternoon to fulfil FIFA's requirement to train at a venue-specific site on Saturday.
How to Watch and What to Expect
With the kick-off time in flux, broadcast schedules are also uncertain. In the UK, World Cup matches are typically shared between the BBC and ITV, but official confirmation of which channel will show the match—and at what time—is yet to come. For fans in the United States, Mexico, and other territories, broadcasters have not yet updated their listings. Both FIFA and the FA are urging supporters to monitor official channels for updates. The Estadio Azteca's high altitude (2,240m) and potential saturated pitch from forecasted heavy rain could add another layer of complexity to an already daunting knockout fixture.
Key Takeaways
- FIFA is considering moving Mexico vs England to noon local time (7pm BST Sunday) due to thunderstorms.
- The FA was not given advance warning and is concerned about the impact on travelling fans.
- England players say they are ready to adapt, calling it "another obstacle to get over."
- Broadcast details remain unconfirmed; check official sources for viewing information.
- Weather could also affect pitch conditions and the players' physical demands at high altitude.
Quick Facts
Match: Mexico vs England (Round of 16)
Original Kick-off: Sunday, 6pm local time (1am BST Monday)
Proposed New Kick-off: Sunday, noon local time (7pm BST Sunday)
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (2,240m altitude)
Reason for Change: Risk of thunderstorms and flooding
UK Television: Not yet confirmed; likely BBC or ITV