FIFA Weighs Moving England-Mexico Kickoff as Thunderstorms Threaten Azteca

FIFA might be about to hit the snooze button on one of the most anticipated World Cup round-of-16 matches — but not by choice. With severe thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for Mexico City around the scheduled Monday kickoff, the governing body is reportedly looking at moving England vs. Mexico up by six hours, according to the BBC.

The match is currently set for 1:00 a.m. UK time on Monday, which is 7:00 p.m. local on Sunday. Under the proposed change, it would start at 7:00 p.m. UK time Sunday — that’s noon local — in the hope of beating the worst of the weather.

This isn’t an overreaction. We’ve already seen two recent games in Mexico City delayed by storms, including the group-stage matchup between Mexico and Ecuador. The Azteca stadium has a history of wild weather, and when the forecast calls for lightning and heavy rain, FIFA has to think about player safety, fan experience, and the risk of a match being abandoned entirely.

No official word yet from FIFA

FIFA hasn’t announced anything officially, and they might wait until the last possible moment before making the call. Moving a knockout-round game is a big logistical hassle — broadcast schedules get thrown off, fans who already booked travel and hotels might miss the new window, and the teams have to adjust their preparation and meal timing. But leaving it as is could mean a delay that drags past midnight with no clear end in sight.

The irony is that England and Mexico are two teams who thrive on chaos in their own ways. England’s group stage was relatively clean, but Mexico needed a late comeback to get here. Now both sides are stuck waiting for a weather report to decide their schedule.

If FIFA does move the game, it creates a strange dynamic. Players who were mentally locked in for a late-night kickoff might find themselves in the tunnel at noon under bright sun. And the Azteca crowd — which can be a factor all on its own — might be thinner or louder depending on how the news breaks.

No decision yet. But with thunderstorms rolling in, the clock is ticking.