The World Cup last-16 clash between England and Mexico could kick off at 7pm following FIFA’s decision. The change means the Three Lions’ clash at the Aztecs could be moved up seven hours from the originally scheduled 1am Japan time kick-off.
According to BBC Sport, the kick-off could be rescheduled due to severe weather conditions in North America, with heavy rain and heavy rain expected. The changes will cause headaches for supporters visiting the Mexican capital. FIFA is understood to have planned to bring the match forward by seven hours, but neither the Football Association (FA) nor the Mexican Football Federation had this in mind. The FA is thought to be concerned about the impact on fans and logistics for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Sign up now for the Make Football Great Again newsletter and get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox!
Mexico’s victory over Ecuador in the round of 32 was postponed due to thunderstorms in the area. France’s victory over Iraq in the group stage was also affected by the weather, and the decisive match in Philadelphia was suspended for two hours. The change to the kick-off team will come as a relief to England supporters who will be watching at home after the match was moved forward several hours.
Although FIFA is the tournament organizer, thunderstorm protocols are based on recommendations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). According to the guidelines, if excrement is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, the match must be stopped and suspended.
Players and staff were then forced to leave the pitch and supporters were advised to take shelter inside the stadium. The Aztec design does not have a retractable roof, which could put spectators at risk.
Lightning must be detected within a 30-minute radius of the venue for the game to resume. After a 30-minute countdown, fans will return to their seats and players will return to the pitch for a 15-minute warm-up before play resumes.
Thomas Tuchel’s side avoided a World Cup shock thanks to a double from captain Harry Kane and cruised past the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Tottenham Hotspur icon and Bayern Munich star completed the fightback by scoring twice in the embers, winning 2-1.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico handily defeated South Africa, South Korea, the Czech Republic, and American rival Ecuador without conceding a goal, and were on the verge of making it to the last 16. But England will have to silence the raucous crowds at the Aztec and Mexico City stadiums, perched 2,200 meters above sea level.
The winner of this matchup will face the winner of Brazil and Norway (kick-off 9pm). Manchester City keeper Erling Haaland will look to add to his World Cup record in the hunt for the Golden Boot as he takes on Arsenal nemesis Gabriel.
