The World Cup clash between England and Mexico could be moved to an earlier kick-off time, the BBC has reported. The broadcaster said that Fifa is understood to be bringing forward the game in Mexico City to 12pm local time (7pm UK time). It had been scheduled to kick off at 01:00 UK time on Monday morning (6pm local time).
Weather Concerns Prompt Potential Rescheduling
Weather forecasts indicate that there could be thunderstorms and heavy rain in the city on Sunday evening, although Fifa has not yet officially commented to confirm or deny the reports. Fifa regulations state that they have the right to "cancel, reschedule or relocate" matches "at its sole discretion."
The Guardian reported that Mexico’s round of 32 match against Ecuador was delayed due to rain, while France’s group game against Iraq in Philadelphia was interrupted for two hours because of thunderstorms.
Pubs Prepare for Late Opening
It comes as hundreds of pubs were preparing to open late to allow fans to watch the match after Sir Keir Starmer granted them permission to open until 5am. The Mirror's US edition reported that England fans reacted with surprise that the kick-off is set to be changed to six hours earlier.
Gary Taylor, 64, said: “That’s a shock … I know games have been put back because of the weather. But to bring it forward by six hours that’s amazing.” Paul Groom, 59, said: “Kicking off at midday would have been a nightmare at some venues but the weather really is quite reasonable here in Mexico. I will only be around 25 degrees on Sunday so shouldn’t make too much of a difference. But it will disturb all the players pre-match routines.”
