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FIFA has decided to keep the England vs. Mexico round-of-16 match at its original 18:00 local kickoff time on July 5, despite weather forecasts warning of thunderstorms and potential flooding in Mexico City. The decision comes after reports surfaced on July 3 that the governing body was actively considering moving the match to a 12:00 local start to dodge the worst of the predicted weather.
Storm clouds over Estadio Azteca
Mexico City’s rainy season thunderstorm warnings for July 5 raised legitimate questions about whether an evening kickoff was the right call. Forecasts pointed to significant storm activity and flooding risks. Reports indicated FIFA explored shifting kickoff to around noon local time, which would have given the match a better window before afternoon storms typically roll in over the Valley of Mexico.
The Estadio Azteca sits at approximately 2,200 meters above sea level, a detail that already makes this venue one of the most physically demanding in world football.
What was on the table
On July 3, two days before the scheduled match, reports emerged that FIFA was weighing a schedule change. An 18:00 to 12:00 shift would have created a six-hour disruption across broadcast schedules, ticketing logistics, team preparation routines, and local transportation plans.
Lightning protocols in football typically require players to leave the pitch for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last detected strike within a certain radius.
The bigger picture for the 2026 World Cup
This is the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations: the US, Canada, and Mexico. The Estadio Azteca hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals. The 1986 tournament also featured the notorious “Hand of God” goal scored by Diego Maradona, adding historical resonance to England and Mexico meeting there in a knockout round.
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