MEXICO CITY — FIFA is considering moving Sunday’s World Cup Round-of-16 match between Mexico and England to an earlier kickoff because of forecasts for heavy afternoon thunderstorms in Mexico City.
The governing body is assessing the possibility of bringing forward the scheduled 6 p.m. kickoff at Estadio Azteca due to concerns over severe weather and the risk of flooding, according to a person familiar with the discussions.
No final decision has been made.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre criticized the potential schedule change, saying it would significantly disrupt his team’s preparations.
“It’s a kick in the gut; now we must change everything,” Aguirre told Radio Formula. “It’s not that all the work goes down the drain—though it’s close—because you’re having to scrap six hours of scheduled planning. I don’t like it at all.
“Obviously, we’ll abide by what FIFA says, but neither my players nor I are happy about it.”
Any change would also affect England’s preparations.
The Three Lions are due to arrive in Mexico City late Friday before holding their final training session on Saturday at UNAM Pumas’ training ground. An earlier kickoff would leave England with even less time to adapt to the Mexican capital’s high altitude.
Estadio Azteca sits more than 2,200 meters (7,300 feet) above sea level, where reduced oxygen levels can impact athletic performance. Sports scientists generally recommend either an acclimatization period of at least two weeks or arriving shortly before competition to minimize the effects of altitude.
The match will be the fifth and final World Cup fixture staged in Mexico City during the 2026 tournament.
Source: Saudi Gazette