FIFA is set to bring forward England's World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico from 6:00 PM to 12:00 PM local time on Sunday, July 5, due to severe thunderstorm forecasts in Mexico City, according to reports first broken by Claro Sports and subsequently confirmed by The Guardian.
The proposed change would shift the UK broadcast from 1:00 AM BST on Monday morning to a far more accessible 7:00 PM BST on Sunday evening.
FIFA has not yet issued an official confirmation but holds sole discretion to reschedule matches under its tournament regulations.
Met Office forecasts indicate heavy rain and lightning storms are expected to begin approximately one hour before the original evening kickoff and persist throughout the match window.
Fox Weather meteorologist Stephen Morgan warned: "If there's a lightning strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium they will have to postpone the game."
Weather disruption has already affected the 2026 tournament. Mexico's Round of 32 match against Ecuador at the same venue was delayed due to rain, while France's group-stage fixture against Iraq in Philadelphia was suspended for two hours because of thunderstorms.
The rescheduling would also ease logistical concerns in the UK, where Sir Keir Starmer had previously granted pub licensing extensions until 5am specifically to accommodate the original late-night kickoff.
Thomas Tuchel had urged parents to let children stay up to watch.
England forward Marcus Rashford described the potential schedule upheaval as "not ideal" but insisted the squad is "ready for any challenge." The earlier start would at least spare players from the worst of Mexico City's afternoon heat, though it introduces its own preparation challenges.
Captain Harry Kane highlighted the physical difficulty of playing at 2, 200 metres above sea level regardless of kickoff time. "My understanding is we cannot adapt to the altitude. It's a huge advantage Mexico have.
There's not enough time, " Kane said. "It's just a disadvantage with which we will have to deal. But we showed the attitude."
A noon local kickoff would still see England contend with the Estadio Azteca's altitude and a hostile home crowd, but would significantly reduce the lightning risk that could otherwise force a lengthy suspension mid-match.
FIFA's official announcement is expected imminently. Reuters reached out to the governing body on July 3 for comment. Until formal confirmation arrives, both teams continue to prepare for a Sunday fixture at the iconic Mexico City venue.
