FIFA is considering moving up the kickoff time for the World Cup round of 16 match between Mexico and England at Azteca Stadium because of a thunderstorm forecast in Mexico City.
The match is currently scheduled for 6:00 p.m., but a person with knowledge of the situation said an earlier start is being discussed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no final decision has been made.
One concern for FIFA is the possibility of flooding disrupting the match or operations around it. Any change would affect a knockout-stage game already carrying major logistical demands for both teams.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre pushed back against the idea of changing the kickoff time, telling Radio Formula that the adjustment would force his staff and players to rework their preparations.
“It’s a kick in the gut; now we must change everything. It’s not that all the work goes down the drain—though it’s close—because you’re having to scrap 6 hours of scheduled planning. I don’t like it at all,” Aguirre said. “Obviously, we’ll abide by what FIFA says, but neither my players nor I are happy about it.”
Rescheduling the match could also complicate England’s plans. The Three Lions are due to arrive late and have a training session planned at the UNAM Pumas grounds in the south of Mexico City, leaving limited time to adjust before kickoff.
The altitude is a central part of the preparation issue. Azteca Stadium sits at more than 7,300 feet, or 2,200 meters, above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen availability can increase fatigue.
Sports scientists generally recommend either an extended acclimation period of at least 2 weeks or a fly-in, fly-out approach that brings athletes in close to game time before acute symptoms develop.
The match is set to be Mexico City’s final game of the World Cup, adding another operational layer to FIFA’s decision as it weighs the weather forecast against team preparation and stadium logistics.