Mexico-England World Cup kickoff remains at 6 p.m. in Mexico City
Al Jazeera reported that the last-32 match at Estadio Azteca will not be moved despite reports of a possible weather-related schedule change.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Mexico’s World Cup knockout match against England will be played at its original time in Mexico City, ending uncertainty after reports that FIFA could move the kickoff because of weather concerns. Al Jazeera, citing sources, reported that the match at Estadio Azteca will start Saturday at 6 p.m. local time, which is 00:00 GMT on Sunday.
The clarification matters because an earlier kickoff would have changed the physical demands of the game at one of the tournament’s most distinctive venues. Estadio Azteca sits about 2,200 metres above sea level, and a midday start would likely have exposed players to stronger sun and warmer conditions than an evening match.
Several media outlets reported Friday that the fixture might be shifted to avoid poor weather, according to Al Jazeera. FIFA had not confirmed such a move, and sources told Al Jazeera that no decision to reschedule the kickoff had been made.
Mexican media had reported that the Mexico-England match could begin at noon local time, or 18:00 GMT, rather than the scheduled evening start. Al Jazeera reported that any change to that match also would have affected Brazil’s World Cup game against Norway in New York, which was set for 4 p.m. local time, or 20:00 GMT.
Weather and altitude in focus
The scheduling question followed a weather disruption earlier in the week, when Mexico’s last-32 match against Ecuador was delayed by rain, according to Al Jazeera. The outlet also reported that earlier discussions around Sunday’s last-16 schedule came amid concerns about severe weather in Mexico City, including the risk of flooding.
A move to noon would have brought different playing conditions. Al Jazeera reported that midday forecasts pointed to temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with a high UV index, although Mexico City’s elevation keeps it cooler than some other World Cup sites.
Altitude could still shape the match. Sports medicine experts cited by Al Jazeera said thinner air reduces oxygen availability, which can speed up fatigue and make repeated high-intensity sprints harder for players who are not acclimatised.
Mexico could have gained from any switch to a hotter, earlier start, Al Jazeera reported, because the team has played three of its four 2026 World Cup matches at the Azteca and is used to living and training at altitude. England manager Thomas Tuchel has already said the hosts hold “a huge advantage,” according to Al Jazeera, because England do not have enough time to adapt physiologically before the tie.
England say preparation will not change
England players said they were preparing for the match regardless of kickoff time. Forward Marcus Rashford, speaking to reporters in Kansas City, said the squad’s preparation had to stay the same and that the team needed to be ready for changing circumstances, according to Al Jazeera.
Rashford said a time change would not have been ideal but added that England would handle the challenge. Midfielder Morgan Rogers also told reporters the kickoff time would not affect the team, saying England would be ready whenever the match was played, according to Al Jazeera.
The match remains one of the marquee fixtures of the knockout round: host nation Mexico facing England at the open-air Azteca, with weather, altitude and schedule management all part of the build-up. For now, the tournament timetable remains unchanged.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.