MEXICO CITY, July 3 (Reuters) - FIFA is considering bringing forward the kick-off time for Mexico's World Cup last-16 match against England at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, in a move that would transform the conditions for one of the tournament’s biggest ties.
Mexican media reported that the match will kick off at noon local time (1800 GMT) instead of the originally scheduled 6 p.m. (0000 GMT).
The decision is being considered due to risk of weather disruption
including flooding, the source said.
FIFA did not immediately confirm the reports when contacted by Reuters.
Mexico's last-32 match against Ecuador earlier this week was delayed due to rain.
If the change is confirmed, it could transform the playing conditions. Instead of the relative cool of an evening kick-off, the teams could face the strongest sunshine and highest temperatures of the day in Mexico City.
Forecasts for Sunday point to temperatures of around 23 to 25 degrees Celsius at midday under a high UV index, even if the capital's altitude keeps conditions cooler than many other World Cup venues.
Combined with the stadium's altitude of around 2,200 metres, an earlier start would place an even greater physical premium on energy management.
Sports medicine experts say the thinner air reduces oxygen availability, accelerating fatigue and making repeated high-intensity sprints more difficult for players who are not acclimatised.
Mexico, who have played three of their four 2026 World Cup matches at the Azteca so far and are accustomed to living and training at altitude, could benefit from the switch.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has already acknowledged the hosts hold “a huge advantage”, saying his side do not have enough time to adapt physiologically before the knockout tie.
England forward Marcus Rashford said the team would be ready whatever the circumstances, when asked about reports of a time change.
"I think for us it's the same, you know, how we prepare for the game," he told reporters in Kansas. "It has to remain the same. We have to be focused; we have to be ready for anything, and I think it's one strength of the group and everyone, including the players and the staff.
"We're ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us, so ... Obviously, it's not ideal, but also it doesn't matter."
England midfielder Morgan Rogers added: "I don't think it really affects us. I think we'll be ready regardless of the time, earlier probably the better, because you want to play it.
"So, yeah, we're looking forward to whatever the time is, and we'll be ready."
(Reporting by Ossian Shine and Julien Pretot, additonal reporting by Mexico City bureau; Editing by Daina Beth Solomon and Ken Ferris)
