FIFA in talks to reschedule England clash with Mexico

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

FIFA is considering moving the kick-off time of England's clash with Mexico due to the threat of extreme weather.

The Three Lions are travelling to Mexico City to face El Tri at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Sunday after defeating DR Congo in the round of 32 thanks to a brace from Harry Kane. Co-hosts Mexico, meanwhile, cruised past a hugely disappointing Ecuador side to get to this stage.

The round of 16 clash between the two is currently slated to start at 6pm local time (or 1am BST on Monday). However, the weather forecast indicates that there could be storms and even flooding in the Mexican capital on Sunday.

As a result, reports in Mexico, confirmed by The Athletic, have revealed that FIFA is currently locked in talks with stakeholders to potentially move the game to a much earlier kick-off time.

The game could be brought forward by several hours, which would be good news for English fans as they would not have to stay up potentially past 3am should the match go to extra time and penalties.

England-Mexico could be moved

It is important to note that no decision has as yet been made or communicated. In fact, the English FA only found out about FIFA's discussions via the media. The final decision rests solely with the governing body.

FIFA "has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns," as per the body's official regulations.

The game being moved could pose broadcasting challenges as it may clash with Brazil's match with Norway, which is set to take place in East Rutherford, New Jersey at 4pm local time (9pm BST).

It wouldn't be the first change in kick-off time in Mexico. El Tri's fixture with Ecuador at the Azteca began an hour later than planned due to lightning in the area.

Previously, in the US, a group stage match between France and Iraq was suspended for two hours at half-time due to inclement weather.

Potential weather delays were one of the biggest concerns heading into this summer's tournament after several Club World Cup matches, staged in the US, were interrupted last year. A 2020 study argued that the potential for severe thunderstorms is four times bigger in North America than in Europe.

It remains to be seen what FIFA will decide, but as things stand, a rescheduling is probable.