England’s World Cup last-16 showdown with Mexico could be moved forward by six hours, after a storm threat emerged in Mexico City. The match, originally set for 1am BST on Monday at the Estadio Azteca, may now kick off at 7pm BST on Sunday, according to reports in Mexico cited by The Independent. The BBC also reported that the game had been brought forward. Fifa has yet to confirm the change, but the prospect of severe weather has already caused disruption this tournament – Mexico’s last-32 match against Ecuador was delayed due to rain.
The late twist comes as the BBC launched a special ‘Stay Up or Catch Up’ package for the tie, recognising the unsociable hour. The match will be broadcast exclusively live on BBC One and iPlayer, with Kelly Cates joined by Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards. A full no-spoiler re-run will air on BBC Two from 7.10am, while a highlights programme will be available on iPlayer and the BBC Sport Football YouTube channel. There will also be live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, alongside live text and clips on the BBC Sport website and app. Fans can also follow the match in 3D via BBC Sport’s World Cup 3D experience.
“England's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico may be moved from 1am to 7pm BST due to storm threat.”
“World Cup knockout football is absolutely unmissable, but a 1:00am kick-off isn’t realistic for everyone,” said BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski. “So, whether you’re staying up to watch every minute live or waking up to catch every moment spoiler-free, BBC Sport has you covered this Monday.”
The England squad, already navigating altitude and a hostile crowd at the Azteca – scene of Diego Maradona’s 1986 heroics – must also contend with uncertainty over kick-off time. Thomas Tuchel, who urged parents to let children stay up for the original 1am start, said after England’s 2-1 victory over DR Congo (watched by a peak of 16.3 million) that “the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.” Outgoing prime minister Sir Keir Starmer relaxed licensing laws to allow pubs to stay open until 5am for the match, though a shift to 7pm would render that unnecessary.
In team news, Declan Rice has been declared fully fit, but right-back remains a concern: Reece James missed training, and Djed Spence failed to convince against DR Congo. Fifa’s decision on the kick-off time is awaited, with fans across the country hoping for a more palatable evening slot rather than the small hours.