FIFA put an end to speculation about a possible schedule change for the match between Mexico and England in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Although reports had emerged in recent hours suggesting the match might be moved up to avoid potential thunderstorms, the organization confirmed that the game will remain at its originally scheduled time.
Thus, the match will be played on Sunday, July 5, at 6:00 p.m. (Central Mexico Time) at the Estadio Ciudad de México, as originally scheduled in the official calendar.
Why did the story about the time change come up?
The rumors began after various reports indicated that the game might be moved up to noon.
This is due to the forecast of thunderstorms for Sunday in the Mexican capital.
This possibility gained traction because the previous match between Mexico and Ecuador was delayed due to the activation of safety protocols following electrical activity in the vicinity of the stadium.
That precedent led to speculation that FIFA was considering changing the schedule to reduce the risk of a temporary suspension during one of the most anticipated matches of the round of 16.
However, after assessing the situation, the organization decided to keep the schedule unchanged (Filed under: Mexico vs. England—time confirmed).
The storm protocol remains in effect
Although the schedule will not change, FIFA noted that it will continue to implement its safety protocol in the event of adverse weather conditions.
If electrical activity is detected within a 13-kilometer radius of the stadium during the game, the rules stipulate that the match must be temporarily suspended.
This will continue until conditions are safe for players, referees, staff, and fans.
This procedure was already used during the 2026 World Cup and is part of the preventive measures put in place to protect all attendees (Filed under: Mexico vs. England—time confirmed).
Aguirre will take the schedule change as a “punch in the gut”
Javier Aguirre, Mexico’s national team coach, said Friday that the possibility of FIFA changing the kickoff time for the Round of 16 match feels “like a punch in the gut” to him.
The fact that his players will be playing against England this Sunday means he has to change his entire training schedule.
“I’m really upset. It feels like a punch in the gut, because now we have to change everything—the whole plan and all the work.”
“Because you’re cutting into the six hours we have scheduled—I don’t like that at all, although obviously we’ll abide by whatever FIFA says—but neither I nor my players like it,” “El Vasco” Aguirre told reporters.
Everything is proceeding according to plan
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Aguirre said that any change to the schedule would affect “mealtimes, naps, physical therapy—everything.”
“It sounds silly, but it’s not.”
“Today, 60 people are working to ensure that 26 players take the field on Sunday to win the game; that’s no small feat.”
“I understand the reasons and arguments, but nobody consulted me, and I’m pretty upset,” he emphasized.
With information from EFE
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