FIFA weighs moving Mexico vs England kickoff time due to storm risk
FIFA is weighing a kickoff time change for the Mexico-England World Cup match due to the threat of afternoon thunderstorms. The proposal has drawn criticism from Mexico coach Javier Aguirre and concerns from the English Football Association.
FIFA is weighing a last-minute adjustment to the kick-off time for the World Cup round-of-16 encounter between Mexico and England, currently scheduled for Sunday, 5 July 2026. The proposed shift, which would move the match from 6 p.m. To 12 p.m. Local time at Mexico City Stadium (Banorte Stadium) in Mexico City, is being driven by concerns over the risk of severe weather disruption.
According to reports originating from the Mexican press, the governing body is responding to the threat of afternoon thunderstorms. Forecasts indicate a high probability of precipitation and heavy showers during the original time slot, a recurring issue for the host city. In the round of 32, a match between Mexico and Ecuador was already delayed by one hour due to thunder and lightning in the area. Meteorologists note that the rainy season in Mexico City typically brings afternoon showers, with current forecasts showing a high likelihood of storms during the scheduled evening kick-off.
Media additions
Disagreement and Concern
The potential scheduling change has met with resistance from those directly involved in the tournament. Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre expressed strong opposition to the adjustment in comments to Radio Formula, stating,
"No one asked for my opinion, but I don’t like this. FIFA is the boss here. It’s a very significant change. I’m very p—ed off."
Javier Aguirre, Head Coach of Mexico, via Radio Formula
Aguirre noted that the team had performed well in evening fixtures and that the move complicates player recovery schedules, particularly for those currently managing physical knocks. Furthermore, the English Football Association (FA) has signaled that it is "deeply concerned" regarding the impact such a change would have on travelling supporters. The FA maintained that it had received no official communication from FIFA regarding a confirmed time change and only became aware of the deliberations through media reports.
Broader Tournament Impact
The uncertainty has created a ripple effect for other fixtures. Moving the Mexico-England game to midday could cause an overlap with the scheduled match between Brazil and Norway, set for the same day at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. A spokesperson for the Brazilian Football Federation confirmed that "a change is possible" and that the organization is awaiting a final determination from FIFA.
If the modification proceeds, it could affect the logistical arrangements made by local authorities and businesses. In the United Kingdom, the government had previously authorized extended opening hours for pubs, which typically close at 11 p.m. BST, to allow fans to view the 1 a.m. Broadcast. It remains unclear whether these permissions will be adjusted if the kick-off is moved to a 7 p.m. London time slot.
Context and Precedent
While the threat of inclement weather is a major factor, FIFA’s tournament regulations grant the governing body sole discretion to reschedule or relocate matches for health, safety, or security reasons. Despite this authority, FIFA has historically kept other matches in locations like Miami, Philadelphia, and Kansas City on schedule despite similar weather warnings. England’s team hotel in Mexico is implementing heightened security measures, including roadblocks, following reports of fans disrupting the Ecuadorian squad’s rest with fireworks and vehicle noise before their recent defeat.
What to watch next:
- Official Confirmation: FIFA is expected to release an official statement to clarify whether the time change will be implemented or if the original schedule will be maintained.
- Broadcast and Pub Hours: UK authorities must determine if the governmental support for late-night pub openings will be revoked or altered to align with the proposed 7 p.m. London kick-off time.
- Match Logistics: Both the English and Mexican squads, as well as travelling fans, face immediate logistical challenges as they wait for final confirmation from organizers.
As of 3 July 2026, the pressure on tournament organizers to navigate the balance between safety and scheduling integrity remains high.
