GB News presenters Stephen Dixon and Anne Diamond interrupted their Saturday morning broadcast on July 4 to deliver an urgent update regarding England's World Cup round of 32 match against Mexico at Azteca Stadium. The kick-off time, which had been rescheduled due to severe weather forecasts, has reverted to its original slot of 1am GMT on Monday, July 6.
Kick-Off Time Reverts After Brief Change
The match was initially set for 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST Monday). However, on Friday, July 3, Latin American broadcaster Claro Sports reported that heavy thunderstorms and rain were expected, prompting a move to 12pm Central Time (7pm BST) on Sunday. That decision has now been reversed, with no official explanation provided.
As the breaking news banner flashed on screen, Dixon announced: 'You might be waking up this morning, not quite knowing if you're coming or going when it comes to the football. Were you planning to stay up till 1 o'clock on Monday morning for the kick off, or were you relieved that it was being moved till 7 o'clock tomorrow night? It's back to 1 o'clock. We don't really know why.'
GB News Sports Correspondent Calls FIFA 'Shambolic'
GB News Sports Correspondent Aidan Magee provided context, stating: 'It's not just about what happens in and around the stadium, it's about leading up to it as well, the travel network as well. There's lots to consider.' He added: 'I do think it's quite shambolic by FIFA, actually, especially for neither the Mexican FA or the FA to know what time they're kicking off, and the England Team were in the air last night...landed yesterday or landed a few hours ago, not knowing what time they'd be kicking off. I've never known that before.'
Players React to Uncertainty
England forward Marcus Rashford had previously commented on the proposed change, saying: 'I think for us it's the same, how we prepare for the game. It has to remain the same, we have to be focused, we have to be ready for anything, and I think it's one of the strengths of the group and everyone, including the players and staff, that we are ready for whatever challenges are thrown at us. Obviously, it's not ideal, but it also doesn't really matter.'
Rashford also addressed the altitude challenge at Azteca Stadium, which sits approximately 7,200 feet above sea level: 'It just takes too much time. We have only three days between these matches. It's physically impossible to adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have. More obstacles may come, but we are ready for that. This is just something with which we will have to deal. And I think we showed the attitude that we are ready for that.'
Altitude Concerns Persist
England manager Thomas Tuchel had previously voiced concerns about playing at altitude after their victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo. He stated: 'The altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it.' The repeated changes to the kick-off time have only added to the logistical challenges facing the England squad.
