According to several major media outlets on Friday night, FIFA had reportedly been preparing to move forward the last-16 encounter between England and Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
However, following widespread debate and criticism from coaches and supporters, the governing body has decided that the match will continue as originally scheduled, with kickoff set for 1:00 a.m. UK time on Monday.
Weather forecasts in Mexico indicate the possibility of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall around the time of kickoff, which could result in delays. As reported by The Athletic, FIFA officials were also worried about potential flooding in and around the stadium.
Initial reports had claimed that the highly anticipated knockout game would be brought forward by six hours, moving to 7:00 p.m. UK time (12:00 p.m. local time) on Sunday.
While players, staff, and fans from both England and Mexico awaited confirmation, FIFA eventually decided to overturn its earlier proposal and retain the original time slot.
Mexico’s head coach Javier Aguirre was among those who opposed the proposed change even before FIFA’s final decision. Speaking to Radio Formula on Friday, Aguirre described the potential alteration as “like a kick in the gut.”
He elaborated further, saying, “It changes everything — the plan. It’s not totally ruined, but almost, because you have to adjust six hours of scheduled training. Of course, we will follow FIFA’s instructions. I don’t like it at all, and neither do my players. The meals, the rest, the sleep, the physiotherapy — everything seems minor, but it’s not.”
Adverse weather conditions have already caused disruptions in several other matches across North America during the 2026 tournament.
Two other fixtures have been delayed due to storms, including the round-of-32 clash in Mexico City between Mexico and Ecuador.
After all the confusion and speculation, FIFA’s decision to stick with the original timing brings the matter to a close — though not without leaving many frustrated by the back-and-forth.
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