England v Mexico set to stay with original kick-off time after FIFA U-turn for last-16 2026 World Cup tie

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England’s last-16 clash with Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to remain a 01:00 BST kick-off time, despite reports suggesting it would be moved forward by six hours owing to the threat of thunderstorms.

‘We’ll be ready’ - Rogers unfazed by England-Mexico kick-off change

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It was reported that FIFA was considering moving the kick-off as forecasts suggest there could be thunderstorms and heavy rain in Mexico City.

But it is now being reported that the kick-off time for the game at the Azteca Stadium will not be moved following push back from both teams.

The BBC have reported that "FIFA had been set to make the change, and confirm the rescheduling in a statement, but news of the proposal angered both English and Mexican officials".

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It is added that "concerns over the impact on player preparation, fan travel and the logistics around moving the staging of such a huge game were discussed" and it was decided to stick with the original kick-off time.

England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the last 16 of the competition thanks to two goals from captain Harry Kane.

FIFA has the right to "cancel, reschedule or relocate" World Cup matches "at its sole discretion", according to regulations.

The tie's early-hours kick-off time at the iconic Azteca Stadium has been a huge talking point among Three Lions fans, who had feared that Thomas Tuchel's side were on their way out of the competition after trailing DR Congo for much of the game in Atlanta.

The government has introduced emergency legislation allowing pubs to stay open late for the game against the co-hosts.

England's Marcus Rashford was asked by reporters on Friday about the possibility of the game being moved.

"I think, for us, it's the same how we prepare for the game," he said. "It has to be the same.

"We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. I think it's one of our strengths as a group.

"Everyone, including the players and staff... we are ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. So obviously it's not ideal, but also it doesn't really matter."

Mexico have lost only two competitive fixtures at the Azteca, which sits 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level.

What are FIFA's severe weather protocols?

France's group-stage fixture against Iraq was delayed by more than two hours because of stormy weather in Philadelphia.

Play was suspended at the half-time break until the storm passed.

Although FIFA is the World Cup organiser, the protocols around electrical storms are in fact not set by football's governing body.

The France-Iraq game was delayed by two hours because of storms

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The rules around matches being suspended are based upon the recommendations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

According to NOAA guidelines, matches must be halted and suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.

In that situation, players and staff will leave the field and go to the changing rooms, while fans are advised to find shelter inside the stadium.

For the game to restart, there must be no further lightning strikes detected within that eight-mile radius of the venue for a full 30 minutes.

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