FIFA has confirmed that England's World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico will kick off at 6pm local time on Sunday, July 5, 2026, meaning a 1am start for UK viewers. The decision came after the governing body reversed a proposed move to a noon local time slot, following objections from both the English and Mexican Football Associations.
Fixture Details and Original Schedule
The high-stakes knockout match is set to take place at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. Originally scheduled for a 6pm local time kick-off, which translates to 1am Monday in the UK, the game was briefly considered for a 12pm local time start (7pm BST) after Mexican media reported the change. However, FIFA never officially confirmed the earlier time.
FIFA U-turn After FA Pushback
According to sources, FIFA reverted to the original 6pm local time slot after swift pushback from both the English and Mexican Football Associations. The temporary shift had been considered due to safety concerns about severe weather, with local forecasts warning of a high risk of torrential rain and heavy thunderstorms during the evening.
Weather Disruptions at the Tournament
Weather chaos has already affected the tournament. Mexico's Round of 32 game against Ecuador at the Azteca was delayed by downpours, and a separate match in Philadelphia was paused for two hours by storms. These incidents likely contributed to FIFA's initial consideration of moving the England-Mexico match to an earlier time.
FIFA's Official Stance
While tournament rules give FIFA absolute authority to alter match times or venues, officials declined to confirm or deny the rumoured scheduling changes when questioned. The governing body ultimately decided to keep the original time after consultations with both associations.
UK Pub Extensions
Despite the late-night kick-off, British fans can still make a night of it. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already greenlit extended licensing hours, allowing UK pubs to stay open until 5am for the match. This ensures supporters can watch the game live in pubs across the country.
