England’s World Cup last-16 tie vs Mexico kick-off time confirmed
England will play their World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico at the originally scheduled time of 1am BST (6pm local time). Fifa has considered changing the kick-off time due to forecasts of thunderstorms in Mexico City on Sunday. It had been suggested the match could be moved forward by six hours, meaning a 7pm kick-off in the UK. The confusion has led to travel chaos for fans. Many England fans travelling down from the 2-1 round of 32 win against DR Congo were booked onto flights arriving in Mexico in the afternoon. It is understood the FA only found out the possibility of the kick-off being moved from media reports in Mexico. On Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer had intervened to extend licensing hours so that pubs could stay open into the early hours. Thomas Tuchel’s side have been preparing for unfavourable conditions with Estadio Azteca sitting 7,220 feet above sea level. The altitude is expected to have a major bearing on the game. England winger Marcus Rashford said the possibility of the game being moved was “not ideal”, but the squad would deal with it. The Azteca Stadium during a hail storm in May 2024 (Photo: Getty) Mexico have only lost two of the 89 matches they have played at Estadio Azteca. It is set to be England’s biggest test so far after uninspiring displays against Ghana and Panama and having to come from behind to beat DR Congo. Fifa have already had to move one match at this World Cup due to weather conditions, with France’s group-stage win over Iraq delayed by two hours due to a storm in Philadelphia. World football’s governing body says it can “cancel, reschedule or relocate” matches. Tournament safety rules state any lightning strikes detected within eight miles of the stadium result in an automatic 30-minute delay to play. Brazil’s match against Norway, currently scheduled for 9pm Sunday UK time, could still be moved. Read more Kevin Garside: England have their own Michael Olise but he is stuck on the bench Kat Lucas: Six reasons I fear for England against Mexico