FIFA is considering moving up the kickoff time for England’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The match is currently scheduled for 6 p.m. local time Sunday, but organizers are weighing pushing it several hours earlier due to concerns about potential flooding and storm activity. The Mexican Football Federation has confirmed talks are underway, though no final decision has been made.
Moving the England-Mexico match could create a scheduling conflict with Brazil’s round-of-16 match against Norway, set to kick off the same day at MetLife Stadium. Discussions are reportedly also underway about shifting that match’s timing, with Brazilian football officials confirming they are waiting on FIFA’s decision before finalizing anything on their end.
Weather has already disrupted the FIFA tournament once
This wouldn’t be the first weather-related disruption at Estadio Azteca during this World Cup. Mexico’s earlier round-of-32 match against Ecuador saw its kickoff delayed by an hour due to thunder and lightning in the area. According to meteorological analysis, Sunday’s forecast currently resembles a typical Mexico City summer day, with roughly an 80% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, a common pattern for the region’s rainy season this time of year.
Other matches elsewhere in the tournament have faced similar weather threats without being rescheduled. A group stage match between France and Iraq was delayed mid-game for more than two hours after storms moved through the Philadelphia area, while a heat warning covering Saturday’s France-Paraguay match in Philadelphia has not prompted any schedule changes so far.
FIFA holds broad authority over scheduling
Under World Cup regulations, FIFA retains the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate matches at its own discretion, including due to safety concerns or events beyond its control. That authority is central to the current discussions, though the process has drawn some criticism over communication. England’s football association reportedly learned of the potential change from journalists rather than through FIFA’s official channels, after the story first emerged in Mexican media.
The original kickoff time had already prompted UK regulators to allow pubs to stay open later than usual to accommodate fans watching the match, a decision that could be affected depending on how the FIFA scheduling talks conclude.
Mexico’s coach pushes back
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre expressed frustration over the potential change, saying he was not consulted and describing the shift as significant given his team’s preparation. He noted that Mexico had performed well in evening matches and argued the original time suited his squad, adding that a couple of players managing minor injuries would now face a more complicated recovery timeline under an earlier kickoff.
How both teams reached this stage
England advanced from its group with wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw against Ghana, then survived a tense round-of-32 match against DR Congo, secured by two goals from captain Harry Kane. Mexico, one of only three teams to win every group match, advanced past Ecuador in the weather-delayed match mentioned earlier. Brazil reached the knockout rounds after topping its group and edging past Japan on a stoppage-time goal, while Norway advanced with a late goal against Ivory Coast.
Security has also become a focus ahead of the match, with England’s team hotel reportedly set to have added roadblocks following disruptions faced by Ecuador’s squad during their stay in the city, which included fans setting off fireworks and revving vehicles outside their hotel through the night.