England-Mexico Kick-Off Remains Unchanged After FIFA Reconsiders Schedule Shift
England’s World Cup last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico will proceed as originally planned, kicking off at 18:00 local time on Sunday in Mexico City, which translates to 01:00 BST on Monday. This decision follows a chaotic period of uncertainty on Friday, where a proposed six-hour schedule change was ultimately reversed.
Reports began circulating from Mexican journalists on Friday that FIFA was contemplating moving the match forward to 12:00 local time (19:00 BST Sunday). Sources indicated that concerns over potential thunderstorms, lightning, and flooding at the Azteca Stadium around the original kick-off time were the driving force behind the proposed alteration.
The suggestion, however, met with strong opposition from both the English and Mexican football associations. Officials from both federations engaged in discussions with FIFA, expressing concerns about the impact on player preparation, fan travel, and the logistical challenges of rescheduling such a significant event. Despite FIFA regulations allowing the body to reschedule matches at its discretion, the pushback led to a swift reversal.
Sky Sports News confirmed the original kick-off time would stand just before midnight UK time on Friday, with FIFA sources stating no final decision to move the game had ever been made. While England midfielder Morgan Rogers had expressed a preference for an earlier start, the team, which flew to Mexico on Friday, will now prepare for the late Sunday evening fixture. FIFA will continue to monitor weather conditions.
Sources