England’s game versus Mexico looks set to be moved from 1am on Monday to 7pm on Sunday evening, which could see TV schedules, pub rules and match conditions impacted
England fans bracing themselves for a gruelling 1am World Cup kick-off could be in for some welcome news, with reports claiming the match is set to be moved to a far more appealing 7pm GMT start. The last-minute switch is reportedly being considered because a powerful storm is forecast to hit Mexico City shortly before the original kick-off time, forcing FIFA into the rare move.
The proposed change was first reported by Mexican sports outlet Claro Sports and, if confirmed, would spark a huge logistical headache. Pubs, police and broadcasters would all have to scramble to adjust their plans, while other World Cup fixtures and television schedules could also be thrown into chaos.
England’s players will also see massive disruption to their schedules, and potentially have to face even more arduous conditions than originally feared.
Conditions
England fans may welcome the chance to watch the game before bedtime, but the players could face a tougher test. A 7pm BST kick-off would mean taking to the pitch around midday in Mexico City, when temperatures are forecast to be around 23-24C with muggy conditions before afternoon thunderstorms are expected to develop.
The earlier local start would also leave players exposed to stronger sunshine than an evening kick-off, while Mexico City’s altitude of more than 2,200 metres above sea level will continue to make breathing and recovery more difficult.
Interestingly, the new kick off time will mean this match will start at the same time as England’s famous clash with Argentina at the 1986 World Cup, which also took place at the Azteca.
Television
England fans won’t have to worry about the reported kick-off switch causing too much chaos on the BBC’s Sunday evening schedule.
If the game is moved forward to 7pm BST, it would simply replace part of the BBC One Wimbledon coverage, which is due to run from 6pm until the 10pm BBC Weekend News.
That means the broadcaster’s regular evening schedule is unlikely to change, with The Weakest Link still due at 10.30pm, followed by Pointless Celebrities at 11.15pm. Only a match that went to extra time and penalties would be likely to cause any knock-on delays.
The biggest disruption would instead be for tennis fans, with any Wimbledon action likely to be moved to BBC Two or the BBC’s digital platforms to make way for England.
Pubs
With Sir Keir Starmer’s late announcement that England’s boozers could stay open late for the round of 16 clash, pubs around the country have been busy amending schedules for fans keen to watch their team with a pint in hand.
If this last minute switch does take place, pubs and bars will likely see a huge increase in potential punters due to the timings, forcing them to change rotas and bring in more staff.
It is unlikely the Government’s emergency legislation will remain in place should the reported time change be made official.
Other games
While unconfirmed, the Daily Star understands that Brazil’s clash with Norway on Sunday evening is likely to be moved from 9pm to a slightly later kick off time.
This would be done to allow fans to watch both games without disruption. It is not known at exactly what time the last 16 clash, which is taking place at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey, would be moved to.
Latest possible finish
Were the game to end in normal time, the match would likely be all wrapped up by 9pm. Were England to be pushed to extra-time and penalties, this would likely add another hour to the match meaning 10pm is the latest end time were FIFA to move the game to the proposed time.
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