FIFA sticks to schedule for Mexico vs. England World Cup match amid weather concerns

FIFA has confirmed that the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup knockout match between Mexico and England will proceed as scheduled on Sunday at 6:00 PM local time, despite earlier considerations to change the kickoff. The decision to maintain the original timing follows discussions about potential weather disruptions, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail forecast for the region.

Sources close to the organization indicated that FIFA was evaluating the possibility of moving the match start time to 12:00 PM local time due to the meteorological risks. This potential change had caused concern among teams, with Mexico's coach, Javier Aguirre, expressing strong disapproval. Aguirre stated that such a last-minute alteration would disrupt extensive planning related to player nutrition, rest, and physiotherapy, calling it "a kick in the stomach."

Aguirre voiced his frustration, noting that he had not been consulted on the potential change and was "quite angry" about it. However, he acknowledged FIFA's ultimate authority, stating, "FIFA organizes, FIFA decides, and I obey. We adapt, there are no excuses, we have to play and win."

The potential schedule change was prompted by forecasts of severe weather, which had already impacted another match in the tournament. The France vs. Iraq game was previously suspended at halftime due to severe storm risks and only resumed two hours later. This precedent likely influenced FIFA's careful consideration of the Mexico-England fixture's timing.