Mexico vs England kick-off chaos explained in FIFA shambles | Football | Sport
England’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico has been hit by chaos surrounding the kick-off time (Image: Getty)
Here is everything you need to know about England and Mexico’s World Cup kick-off time chaos
- Kick-off time change plans leaked: Due to forecasted thunderstorms, reports emerged in Mexico that the co-host nation’s last-16 tie against England would be moved from 6pm local time (1am BST) to 12pm in Mexico City (7pm BST).
- Drastic change ‘confirmed’: Widespread reports of plans being in motion to move the game forward by six hours suggested that it had been decided and only a FIFA statement confirming the decision was required.
- Rogers and Rashford react: Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers were both asked by reporters about the possible change. The former admitted it was, “not ideal” while the Aston Villa star labelled it as, “just another obstacle to overcome”.
- England and Mexico stance: Both the English FA and the Mexican Football Federation were said to be left completely “stunned” by the change. Mexico boss Javier Aguirre later described the lack of communication as a “kick in the stomach.”
- FIFA U-turn: Following on from the responses by both nations that would be impacted, FIFA went back on their consideration of moving the game forward with it set to remain at 6pm local time (1am BST).
- Games impacted by weather: Only two games have been impacted by adverse weather conditions thus far with the second half of France vs Iraq delayed and kick off between Mexico and Ecuador pushed back.
- World Cup first: Had FIFA stuck by their controversial decision, it would have been the first World Cup game brought forward as opposed to being delayed because of a thunderstorm.
- Pub change unaffected: Allowing pubs in England to stay open until 5am looked set to be in vein with kick-off to be 10 hours earlier. However, the special licensing extension allowed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer will still come into play.
