FIFA is considering bringing forward the kick-off time of England’s World Cup round-of-16 game against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.Sunday’s game is currently slated to start at 6pm local time (8pm ET; Monday 1am BST), but talks are being held over bringing it forward by several hours due to risk of weather disruption, including flooding, according to sources briefed on the talks. The Mexican Football Federation also confirmed the talks.Discussions are also being held about pushing back the day’s other last-16 tie between Brazil and Norway, which is due to begin at 4pm ET/9pm BST at MetLife Stadium, by half an hour. “A change is possible and we are waiting on FIFA,” a spokesperson for the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) told The Athletic.
Extreme weather has already impacted one match in Mexico City during this World Cup. Kick off in Mexico’s round-of-32 tie against Ecuador was pushed back by an hour due to thunder and lightning in the surrounding area.FIFA’s 2026 World Cup regulations state that world football’s governing body “has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”The Athletic has contacted FIFA, the English FA and the Norwegian FA for comment.How big of a test do England face in the Azteca?Mark CritchleyThe English FA only found out about the potential rescheduling from journalists at a training session, after the story had originally broken in the Mexican press.The original kick-off time for the England match had prompted the UK government to allow pubs, which would usually close around 11pm BST, to stay open until 5am in order to show the match.Meanwhile, England’s team hotel in Mexico is expected to have roadblocks around its perimeter to guard against pre-game disruption.The move to ramp up measures around where England will stay comes after Ecuador’s time in the capital city ahead of their round-of-32 defeat by Mexico was interrupted by fans setting off fireworks, chanting and revving vehicle engines outside their hotel throughout the evening.Jul 3, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
