As if England’s World Cup last 16 meeting with Mexico couldn’t get any more dramatic, there could be a significant change to the kick-off time.
Indeed, England are set to meet the World Cup 2026 co-hosts inside the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The Estadio Azteca is a ‘fortress’, but are you really that worried given the level of opposition they’ve faced? 🤔
Perhaps context suggests England stand a chance…
It is one of the most iconic venues the sport has to offer and the fact it sits 2,240 metres above sea level clearly complicates matters for England.
Speaking after the win over DR Congo on Wednesday, Harry Kane admitted that England were at a clear disadvantage against Mexico because of the altitude.
Well, because of adverse weather in the Mexican capital, the goalposts could be moved for the Three Lions.
Reasonably cool temperatures for England
According to several reports, FIFA are seriously considering moving the game forward by six hours. BBC Sport claim that the game is in fact set to be moved.
That is because of forecasted thunderstorms in the area at the original time, as well as heavy rain.
The proposed new kick-off time is 12pm CST, which is 7pm BST. That would clearly mean England fans in the UK do not need to stay up all night to watch the game, but such a radical change this close to kick-off cannot be good for either team.
According to BBC weather, temperatures could sit at around 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 Fahrenheit) in Mexico City at the proposed new kick-off time. At the time of writing, there is a 31% chance of rain.
Given England were already facing quite the battle to get used to their surroundings against Mexico, it’s another hurdle to overcome. That’s without even mentioning the significant levels of disruption fans attending the game will no doubt face.
Weather was always likely to have some sort of impact during the 2026 World Cup, with France’s game against Iraq in Philadelphia during the group stages delayed by two hours because of storms.
Read more:
Fans react as England vs Mexico World Cup tickets go on resale for £26k
England to set up roadblocks to deal with intense atmosphere in Mexico ahead of World Cup clash
‘Below average’ – USMNT legend Brad Friedel goes in on Mexico and outlines how to beat them
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