Mexico vs. England at World Cup to kick-off early due to risk of weather - sources

Mexico vs. England at World Cup to kick-off early due to risk of weather - sources

The World Cup Round of 16 match between Mexico and England is likely to have its Sunday kick-off time moved forward by several hours to avoid potential weather disruptions, including flooding and thunderstorms, according to sources. While FIFA has not yet confirmed the change, the governing body is reportedly in ongoing discussions to reschedule the match at the open-air Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The match was originally scheduled for 7 p.m. Local time on Sunday (8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST Monday). Reports from the BBC, The Independent, and Mexican outlet Claro Sports indicate the kick-off may instead be set for 12 p.m. Local time (2 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. BST Sunday). AccuWeather forecasts heavy rain and thunderstorms for Mexico City late Sunday afternoon.

FIFA's caution follows lessons from last year's Club World Cup, where six major weather delays occurred across 63 matches. The risk is compounded by tournament safety rules that mandate an automatic 30-minute delay if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium, a regulation that previously impacted a group-stage game between France and Iraq. Mexico's own Round of 32 match against Ecuador was also delayed by rain earlier this week.

Under tournament regulations, FIFA maintains the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate matches at its sole discretion.

The potential shift creates a logistical ripple effect for other matches and fans. An earlier start would be more convenient for viewers in England, though it could clash with the Brazil vs. Norway Round of 16 game scheduled for 9 p.m. BST. To avoid an overlap if the England match goes to extra time, further reports suggest FIFA may move the Brazil vs. Norway kick-off back an hour to 10 p.m. BST.

For those traveling to Mexico City, the change may be difficult for fans flying in on Sunday morning. The high demand for the match is evident in ticket pricing; as of Friday morning, the cheapest available entry on Gametime was up to $3,600.

England players have expressed confidence in their ability to adapt. During a Friday training session, forward Marcus Rashford described the situation as not ideal but stated that the players and staff are ready for whatever challenges arise.

"I think for us it's the same, how we prepare for the game," the forward said. "It has to be the same, we have to be focused, we have to be ready for anything."

Marcus Rashford, England player, via aol.com

Midfielder Morgan Rogers suggested an earlier start might actually be preferable to avoid overthinking the build-up.

"Earlier the better because you want to play. There is enough thinking about what is going to happen and the build-up -- you just want to play the game."

Morgan Rogers, England player, via abc7news.com

Beyond the clock, England manager Tuchel is bracing for a variety of obstacles in Mexico. The visitors face a hostile environment both at the stadium and outside their team hotel. More pressing, however, is the altitude of the Azteca, which sits more than 2,000 metres above sea level.

Tuchel noted that the three-day gap between England's victory over Congo DR in the Round of 32 and the Mexico game is insufficient for the team to adapt physically to the height.

"My understanding is that we cannot adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have. It just takes too much time."

Tuchel, England boss, via abc7news.com

In the United Kingdom, the potential time change has sparked domestic debate. While outgoing prime minister Sir Keir Starmer relaxed licensing laws to allow pubs in the UK to stay open until 5 a.m., it remains unclear how a 7 p.m. Start would affect that decision. Additionally, some are debating whether children should be permitted to start school later on Monday morning to accommodate the original schedule.

England officials spent Friday seeking clarification on the timing, according to The Times. A formal confirmation from FIFA regarding the final kick-off time is pending.