Two more World Cup round of 16 matches face potential fixture changes as inclement weather threatens to disrupt the knockout schedule. Brazil's clash with Norway could be pushed back by an hour due to heat concerns, while England's tie against Mexico in Mexico City is reportedly being moved up by six hours, risking an overlap between the two games.
Brazil vs Norway Heat Concerns
According to Goal Brasil reporter Raisa Simplicio, Brazil's round of 16 match against Norway at MetLife Stadium may be delayed by an hour due to concerns over high temperatures. A spokesperson for the Brazilian Football Federation told The Athletic: "A change is possible, and we are waiting on FIFA." The fixture is currently scheduled for 4pm local time (9pm BST).
England vs Mexico Schedule Shift
Meanwhile, England's match against Mexico in Mexico City is reportedly being brought forward by six hours. Originally, a four-hour gap between the two games had been planned to avoid overlap. However, if England vs Mexico goes to extra time while Brazil vs Norway remains unchanged, the matches could clash. FIFA typically organizes knockout stage fixtures to avoid overlaps, except for final group matches which kick off simultaneously.
FIFA's Authority to Reschedule
Tournament regulations confirm that 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." This gives the governing body the power to make amendments as needed.
Previous Weather Disruptions
These would not be the first weather-related changes at this World Cup. Mexico's round of 32 match against Ecuador was delayed by an hour while officials waited for storms to clear. France's group stage clash against Iraq was pushed back two hours due to thunderstorms in Philadelphia. Further interruptions could follow, with France's round of 16 tie against Paraguay in Philadelphia facing forecast temperatures of 38°C on Saturday. However, there is currently no indication of any kick-off time change for that match, which remains at 10pm BST.
Heat and Thunderstorm Protocols
New Jersey and New York have weather warnings in place due to intense heat this weekend, though temperatures are expected to ease on Sunday. While measures around heat and heavy rain are unclear, thunderstorms have clear safety protocols: lightning strikes within eight miles of the match trigger an automatic half-hour delay. As temperatures rise across North America this summer, further weather-related disruptions may test the tournament's protocols.
