Why England’s World Cup showdown with Mexico NOT being brought forward six hours is GOOD OMEN for Three Lions

IT’S a good job England’s game with Mexico is set to stay at a 6pm kickoff local time, meaning a 1am Monday morning start for Brits. On top of all of the other challenges that come with playing at the Azteca, England didn’t need history against them too. But, the last time England played at the fabled stadium back in 1986, Diego Maradona scored the ‘Hand of God’ that contributed to them departing the competition. And what time did that match kick off you might wonder? Midday. So England will be glad to avoid having to face those lunchtime demons again with the later kickoff set to remain. News broke late on Friday that Fifa were looking to move the kickoff time for England and Mexico. READ MORE Football‘s lawmakers wanted to move the game six hours earlier to combat severe thunderstorms that have been predicted, but BOTH teams complained about the idea. Frantic crisis talks erupted behind the scenes between Fifa, the FA, the Mexican federation, and both the Brazilian and Norwegian bosses – whose clash was also in talks to be moved. And now Fifa have made a U-turn and confirmed the original kick-off time remains, much to the delight of many England fans who might have missed the game thanks to flight times. The Three Lions already have a lot to contend with the fact that the Azteca Stadium is 222,000 feet above sea level, giving an altitude issue the England team won’t be used to. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up. England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire. But the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32. LATEST NEWS - All pubs that will open for England’s 1am World Cup clash - Mexican journalists planning to sabotage England’s preparations - England’s ‘spygate’ fears see chiefs make late change to schedule - The technology that kept Ronaldo’s World Cup dream alive - Ronaldo in tears as he wears Jota shirt in emotional tribute KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. There’s also the fact that Mexico haven’t lost at the stadium in 10 years and have only tasted a loss there twice in the last 56 years. It should also not be forgotten that Mexico have won all four of their games at this World Cup without conceding a goal. If they had then added the midday heat into the equation, England would have been looking at a true uphill task. The weather is set to be significantly cooler in the evening at around 17 degrees come kick-off. But, the city is set to be showered in rain right up until the game starts and Fifa maintain they will keep an eye on the weather and push the game back if need be.