England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico is set to be moved to Sunday, with a new kickoff time of 7pm BST, according to BBC reports. The change is being considered due to forecasts of thunderstorms and heavy rain in Mexico City. No official decision has been announced by Fifa yet.
Match Details and Background
The match at Azteca Stadium was originally scheduled for 1am UK time on Monday morning. However, the potential rescheduling aims to avoid severe weather conditions. Fifa regulations for the 2026 World Cup grant the organisation the right to "cancel, reschedule or relocate" matches at its sole discretion. Fifa has not yet provided an explanation for the proposed change.
Government Response and Pub Licensing
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously announced that pubs in England and Wales would be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday to accommodate fans. Schools had also adjusted their hours to open later so children could watch the match. However, the government initially refused to relax licensing laws further. In a U-turn on Thursday, Starmer confirmed pubs could remain open until the final whistle.
Police Criticism
The decision to extend pub hours drew criticism from the National Police Chiefs' Council. A spokesperson said the "late announcement" would force officers to be taken away from other duties and work longer hours, despite the team's likely route through the tournament being known "for a considerable time." Police urged fans to be "considerate" and "drink within sensible limits."
Impact on Fans
If the match proceeds as originally scheduled, it would not finish until at least 3am. The proposed move to Sunday evening would allow more UK fans to watch live without staying up late. The BBC reported that Fifa is understood to be bringing the game forward due to storm forecasts, but no confirmation has been made.
