Fifa is considering moving England’s World Cup match against Mexico forward by six hours to avoid forecasted thunderstorms and heavy rain in Mexico City at the originally scheduled kick-off time. The match, set to be played on Sunday, was initially planned to start at 1 a.m. local time on Monday. Under the proposed adjustment, the game would begin at noon local time on Sunday, corresponding to 7 p.m. in the United Kingdom.
The Football Association (FA) was seeking confirmation late Saturday that the kick-off would be brought forward to the earlier slot. England’s team departed from Kansas City on Saturday amid ongoing discussions about the schedule change. Mexican authorities, as co-hosts of the tournament alongside the United States and Canada, are reportedly pushing for the adjustment due to concerns over severe weather conditions. The change is also said to be driven by broadcasters aiming to optimize live coverage for European audiences.
An earlier start would also mitigate some physical challenges for players caused by Mexico City’s high altitude of 2,240 meters (7,200 feet), as it would reduce the time players spend acclimatizing under strenuous conditions. England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, emphasized the need for consistent preparation regardless of the revised timing, while winger Marcus Rashford stated the team would be ready for the match whenever it occurs.
The proposed rescheduling could inconvenience many traveling fans who planned to arrive on match day morning, complicating their transit and game attendance. Conversely, it would benefit viewers and families in England by providing a more accessible viewing time. The alteration has yet to be finalized, with Fifa confirming only that talks are ongoing between the organization, Mexican officials, and television networks involved in the broadcast.
Separately, the decision by the UK government to permit pubs to remain open until 5 a.m. during England’s World Cup fixtures has drawn criticism from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). Mark Roberts, Cheshire’s chief constable and NPCC lead for football policing, expressed concerns about the timing of the announcement and its impact on policing resources. He stated that extended shifts and disrupted community policing efforts were consequences of the late notice, especially given the increased risk of nighttime violence and domestic abuse associated with alcohol consumption during knockout matches.
Roberts urged the public to consume alcohol responsibly and act considerately to ensure safety for attendees, staff, law enforcement, and the wider community during the tournament.