ไทย
English
中國人
In a turn of events that will surprise few, Sunday's World Cup round of 16 clash between Mexico and England has been pushed back by at least an hour due to dangerous weather conditions.
FIFA had attempted to move the match forward by six hours citing multiple concerns. The genuine threat of thunder and lightning was central to those discussions, along with fan safety following several casualties reported after Mexico's round of 32 win against Ecuador.
However, both sides firmly rejected such a rushed schedule change. Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre summed up the mood bluntly, saying: "I don't like this at all." The two countries got their wish—only to face an even later adjustment regardless.
"Due to adverse weather conditions in Mexico City, including risk caused by lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Mexico and England has been delayed to 7 p.m. local time," a FIFA statement read.
"The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA's priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation."
What Time Will Mexico vs. England Kick Off?
Kickoff has been pushed back by an hour.
Ahead of Sunday's game, England manager Thomas Tuchel made a direct appeal to parents across the nation weighing up whether to let their children stay up late on a school night.
"Write an excuse for school and let them watch football," he urged. "They have so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch, there will be a big, big match in four days and we need the support of everyone and especially of the children."
Any parents who had been prepared to extend bedtimes may now be reconsidering following the additional delay. If the knockout match goes to extra time and a penalty shootout, it could finish well after 4 a.m. in England — and that's the most optimistic outcome.
WIN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ FINAL TICKETS & OTHER PRIZES
Could the Match Be Delayed Further?
There are strict protocols that must be observed during electrical storms at this World Cup. Play cannot commence within 30 minutes of a lightning strike recorded within an eight-mile radius of the venue.
Enable functional cookies to see this feature.
Each time a new strike is detected nearby, the 30-minute countdown resets from zero. FIFA has no set limit on how long a match can be held up, as several England players found out firsthand last summer.
Chelsea's round of 16 encounter with Benfica in the 2025 Club World Cup was held up for two hours due to severe weather in Charlotte. Then-Blues manager Enzo Maresca called the entire situation "a joke." For Mexico and England, however, there is nothing remotely funny about it.