Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSir Keir Starmer intervened to prevent Fifa from bringing forward the kick-off time of England's match against Mexico, fearing it would disadvantage the Three Lions. The proposed change would have moved the match to an earlier time, reducing England's acclimatisation period to Mexico's altitude, prompting the UK Government to act through diplomatic channels. The intervention followed an alert from the Football Association to Downing Street regarding the potential problem. England ultimately secured a 3-2 victory over World Cup co-hosts Mexico, overcoming challenges including altitude and a red card for Jarell Quansah, to advance to a quarter-final against Norway. Separately, Sir Keir had previously introduced emergency legislation to allow pubs to extend their opening hours for the round-of-16 match. In fullStarmer stepped in to stop Fifa bringing forward Mexico kick-off timeMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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England have been left stunned by FIFA's decision to bring their Round of 16 clash with Mexico forward

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Sunday's game will be played at its original time but only after emergency discussions were held over bringing it forward by six hours.

Discussions had been held to bring the game forward due to potential storm disruption in Mexico City.

World Cup 2026 co-hosts set to provide boisterous welcome for England ahead of Sunday’s last-16 match

England are set to face Mexico at 1am (BST) on Monday morning despite suggestions that the kick-off time would be brought forward six hours due to adverse weather

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As Three Lions supporters drew up plans for how to cope with Monday's nightmare 1am kick-off slot, news emerged that FIFA were hoping to move the start of the last 16 match…

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The Prime Minister is claimed to have stepped in to help block world football's governing body from bringing forward the kick-off time for the Three Lions' World Cup clash.

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Downing Street were alerted by the FA that the time change would give players less time to adapt to the altitude

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer blocked FIFA's plan to move England's World Cup match against Mexico, citing altitude concerns and competitive fairness.

PM stepped in over proposal to shift World Cup match to an earlier time, amid concerns it would benefit Mexico