England's World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico descended into kick-off chaos after FIFA proposed moving the start time forward by six hours to avoid thunderstorms, only to reverse the decision. The match will now proceed as scheduled at 1am on Monday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, despite fears of lightning strikes.
FIFA's Proposal and Backlash
FIFA considered shifting the kick-off from 1am to 7pm on Sunday due to severe thunderstorm forecasts. England learned of the potential change just before boarding their flight from Kansas City, their tournament base. The England camp was reportedly angered by the proposal, made less than 72 hours before the match that will determine which team advances to the quarter-finals.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre expressed fury, telling radio station Grupo Formula the switch would be 'like a kick in the stomach because clearly you change everything, the game plan, everything.' He added: 'Not that everything goes down the drain, but almost because you’re changing six hours. I don’t like it at all, but evidently we will abide by what FIFA says. But I especially don’t like any of it, and neither do my players.'
Weather Concerns and Match Contingencies
FIFA sources confirmed the match remains scheduled for its original time but will be halted if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium. Play can only resume after a bolt-free half-hour. This could extend the game into breakfast time for fans in England, especially if extra time and penalties are needed.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has allowed pubs to stay open until 5pm for supporters to watch the match. However, weather forecasts suggest no guarantee of clear skies, potentially disrupting the viewing schedule. Staff face arriving at work bleary-eyed, and parents must decide whether to let children watch and skip school.
England Players React
Midfielder Morgan Rogers said: 'We’ll be ready regardless of the time - earlier the better because you want to play. There is enough thinking about what is going to happen and the build-up. You just want to play the game. We’re looking forward to it whatever the time is.' He added: 'I’m not concerned about it but won’t be happy if it wakes me up, I’ll be honest. We’ll deal with it as best as possible. It’s another obstacle to get over.'
Marcus Rashford described the prospect of a kick-off change as 'not ideal' but said the squad would cope. 'It’s the same how we prepare for the game. We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. It’s one of our strengths as a group. Everyone, including the players and staff, we are ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. So it’s not ideal but also it doesn’t really matter.'
Impact on Fans
The potential kick-off switch could have caused chaos for thousands of England fans traveling to Mexico, many having paid thousands for tickets. Last-minute seats were on sale for up to £80,000. One fan posted online: 'That will really f*** it up for some people for sure.' Another wrote: 'Unlucky for the bloke who said he was flying in the day of the game.'
The Met Office is predicting severe thunder and lightning to hit the stadium an hour before kick-off. Boxpark chief executive Matt Snell said his venues would welcome fans 'whatever FIFA decide,' adding: 'We’re waiting to hear whether the kick-off time will change. If the match is brought forward it will make it easier for more fans to come together and experience the atmosphere at Boxpark.'
