England’s crunch last 16 World Cup showdown against Mexico is set to be moved forward six hours on Sunday following fears over incoming storms, Mexican media has reported. The Three Lions were due to kick off their match with Mexico at 1am BST on Monday, but there are now fears tropical storms and lightning in Mexico City have reportedly forced FIFA into a dramatic late shake-up.
Weather forecasts around the Estadio Azteca around the scheduled kick off time have sparked organisers to take action, according to reports in Mexico. A report from Mexican news outlet Claro Sports claimed FIFA will now change the kick-off time. A post on social media read: “Claro Sports has learned that the round-of-16 match between Mexico and England is changing its schedule due to the risk of a thunderstorm. The match will take place this Sunday at 12:00 PM, in a key adjustment for one of the most anticipated clashes of the World Cup.”
FIFA is understood to be bringing the game at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, forward to 7pm BST. Regulations for World Cup 2026 say the organisation has the right to “cancel, reschedule or relocate” matches “at its sole discretion”.
According to the Met Office, there is 80% of thunder showers in Mexico City at 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST). Heavy showers are also forecast throughout the remainder of the evening.
However, the radar is far clearer earlier in the afternoon. The forecaster is predicting dry weather throughout the morning and early afternoon, with high temperatures of 25C.
Tournament rules say that any lightning strikes detected within eight miles of the stadium result in a 30-minute delay to the match. Previously in this summer’s tournament, the group stage match between France and Iraq was delayed by two hours due to poor weather conditions in Philadelphia.
FIFA rules state: “Fifa has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”
During the BBC‘s coverage of Egypt versus Austria on Friday night, presenter Mark Chapman reported that the England match is “very likely” to change.
The potential schedule change could trigger a TV scheduling nightmare, with the BBC said to show live coverage of Wimbledon at 7pm on Sunday. Meanwhile, Brazil are set to face Norway in the World Cup at 9pm BST.
The news comes after the Government granted pubs across England special permission to open late for the match. The emergency move, announced by No 10, removes the requirement for individual venues to apply for special council permissions or Temporary Event Notices (TEN).
Discussions are ongoing between the FA and FIFA but no decision has been made yet. The Mexican FA has also not been informed of any change by FIFA, according to Sky Sports News.