Mexico vs England World Cup RO 16 start time remains unchanged

Sunday’s World Cup match between Mexico and England will go ahead at its originally scheduled kick-off time despite concerns over the forecast of an afternoon thunderstorm in Mexico City.

According to a report from FIFA, FIFA was exploring the possibility of starting the match earlier than the scheduled 6:00 PM (01:00 BST) at the Azteca Stadium. Associated press.

One of FIFA’s concerns is the potential disruption caused by flooding.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre spoke out against changing the kickoff time.

«It’s a kick in the gut; now we have to change everything. It’s not like all the work goes to waste – even if it’s close – because you have to cut six hours of planned planning. I don’t like it at all,» Aguirre told Radio Formula. «It is clear that we will adhere to what FIFA says, but neither my players nor I are happy with it.»

Moving the match could also impact England’s preparations. The Three Lions arrive late on Friday and hold their Saturday training at the UNAM Pumas ground in the south of the capital, giving them significantly less time to acclimatise to the Mexican capital’s high altitude before kick-off.

The Azteca Stadium is located more than 2200 meters above sea level. For elite athletes to perform optimally at high altitudes, an adjustment period is needed to reduce fatigue caused by lower atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen availability, experts say. Sports scientists generally recommend a longer acclimatization period of at least two weeks, or the ‘fly-in, fly-out’ method to get as close to competition time as possible before acute symptoms occur.

The match will be the fifth and final match of the World Cup for Mexico City.

With input from AP

Published on July 4, 2026