England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Mexico is set to kick off earlier than originally scheduled due to concerns over adverse weather conditions in Mexico City.
According to BBC, FIFA is in discussions over moving Sunday’s match at the Estadio Azteca from its original 1:00 a.m. BST Monday kick-off (6:00 p.m. local time Sunday) to 7:00 p.m. BST (12:00 p.m. local time Sunday).
Although football’s world governing body has yet to confirm the change, forecasts of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall around the original kick-off time are understood to be behind the proposed adjustment.
Under FIFA’s tournament safety regulations, play must be suspended for at least 30 minutes if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium.
England winger Marcus Rashford said the squad would adapt if the schedule changes.
“I think for us it’s the same how we prepare for the game. It has to be the same,” he said.
“We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. Everyone, including the players and staff, we are ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. So obviously it’s not ideal but also it doesn’t really matter.”
The match has also attracted attention because of the altitude at the Estadio Azteca, which sits about 2,240 metres above sea level. The thinner air can affect players’ endurance and recovery, while Mexico have lost only two of their 89 matches at the iconic stadium.
An earlier kick-off could also present fresh challenges, with temperatures expected to rise to about 26°C compared to around 20°C at the originally scheduled evening start.
The proposed schedule change is also expected to affect thousands of travelling England supporters, many of whom had already finalised travel arrangements based on the original kick-off time.
