England vs Mexico World Cup kick-off time chaos with both countries blindsided by FIFA
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesEngland Football TeamEngland's World Cup 2026 last-16 clash with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium could be moved six hours earlier, with FIFA reportedly in discussions over a kick-off time change due to the threat of thunderstorms and flooding in Mexico CityRough weather could see England vs Mexico's kick-off time changed(Image: Hannah Peters - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)England has been left reeling after being kept in the dark over a FIFA proposal to bring forward their World Cup last 16 encounter with Mexico.It's understood the world governing body has devised plans to stage the fixture six hours earlier (a midday local kick-off, 2 pm ET, 7 pm in the UK) owing to the threat of thunderstorms.Neither the Football Association nor the Mexican Football Federation has been formally notified of the alteration thus far, despite widespread reports emerging in Mexico City that the match has already been rescheduled.The FA were so unaware of developments that they only discovered the potential kick-off change when the story emerged in the Mexican press.Mirror Sport understands FIFA are in ongoing discussions over moving kick-off time of Mexico v England to earlier in day on Sunday due to risk of weather disruption including flooding. But FIFA have yet to confirm the change.FIFA has also been contacted for comment.
The FA is believed to be deeply troubled about the implications this will have on England supporters and their ability to reach the historic Azteca Stadium.England has seemingly seen its kick-off time changed for the clash with Mexico(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Beyond that, it also affects the preparations of Thomas Tuchel's squad as they gear up to deal with the high altitude at 2,240 metres above sea level.The eagerly-awaited clash was originally scheduled to take place at 6 pm local time and 1 am in the UK.The government had already announced that pubs would be permitted to remain open until 5am but that will no longer be necessary. Should the fixture be moved as rumoured, it would be scheduled to kick off at the same time as England's last visit to the Azteca - a 2-1 loss to Argentina at the 1986 World Cup - when Diego Maradona pulled off the Hand of God.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.England Football TeamFIFA World Cup