England’s kick-off time against Mexico could change as FIFA monitors storm threat
England’s FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against co-hosts Mexico could start hours earlier than planned after FIFA opened discussions to change the schedule due to the risk of bad weather in Mexico City. With thunderstorms forecast around the original kick-off time, world football’s governing body is trying to avoid the kind of lengthy disruption that has already affected matches during the tournament.
The match at the iconic Estadio Azteca was originally due to start at 1am BST on Monday (6pm local time on Sunday). However, FIFA are believed to be considering moving kick-off forward to 19:00 CET (14:00 CET), with England winger Marcus Rashford admitting the change “wouldn’t be ideal” but insisting Thomas Tuchel’s side are prepared for any scenario.
“I think it’s the same for us as we prepare for the game,” Rashford said.
“We have to focus. We have to be ready for anything. I think that’s one of our strengths as a group. Everyone, including the players and the staff, we’re ready for whatever challenges are thrown at us. So of course it’s not ideal, but it doesn’t really matter either.”
FIFA’s concerns follow weather disruptions at the start of the tournament. Mexico’s round of 32 match against Ecuador was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms and lightning, while France’s group stage meeting with Iraq in Philadelphia was delayed for more than two hours, according to tournament security protocols.
Under FIFA regulations, any lightning strike detected within eight miles of the stadium automatically results in a minimum 30-minute interruption of play. The tournament rules also give FIFA the power to “cancel, postpone or relocate” matches at its discretion if health, safety or security concerns arise.
WHY FIFA COULD CHANGE THE KICK
If approved, the revised schedule would see England and Mexico play in the afternoon rather than the evening. While this reduces the risk of thunderstorms, it presents another challenge.
Temperatures are expected to rise to around 26 degrees Celsius during the proposed earlier kick-off, compared to around 20 degrees for the original evening slot. Combined with the high altitude of Mexico City, the conditions would be significantly more difficult for both teams.
Estadio Azteca is approximately 2,240 meters above sea level, where the thinner air reduces oxygen intake, increasing fatigue, dehydration and recovery time. England have already adjusted their preparation by traveling to Mexico City two days before the game instead of the usual one-day arrival.
“We will go one night earlier. It makes sense,” England manager Thomas Tuchel said.
“The ball flies differently. It flies maybe five yards more. It’s just hard. We just need experience.”
Tuchel admitted that there is no perfect solution to adapting to altitude in such a short time frame.
“The recommendation is that you either go 10 days in advance, which is too long for us, or at the last minute, which is not allowed,” he explained. “We have to find a mix between that. It will remain a disadvantage.”
ENGLAND YOUR HOSTILE ATMOSPHERE IN AZTEC
The weather is is not the only challenge that awaits England in Mexico City.
The Football Association is also expected to have increased security around the team’s hotel after chaotic scenes took place outside Ecuador’s accommodation ahead of Mexico’s previous knockout match. Hundreds of Mexico supporters gathered overnight, setting off fireworks, revving engines and chanting in an attempt to disrupt Ecuador’s preparations.
England are expected to benefit from extra security measures, including possible barricades around their hotel, as FIFA look to avoid a repeat ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster.
On the pitch, Tuchel’s team know they face an even bigger test. Mexico boast an excellent record at the Estadio Azteca, losing just twice in 89 matches at the famous venue, and more than 80,000 home fans are expected to create one of the wildest atmospheres of the tournament.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
04 Jul 2026 01:59 IST