England’s World Cup clash with Mexico has reportedly been brought forward to 7pm UK time on Sunday night after FIFA moved the match due to severe thunderstorms forecast to batter Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium
England’s upcoming World Cup encounter has been moved forward, following predictions of severe thunderstorms set to pound Mexico City.
The fixture was originally scheduled to commence at 1am UK time on Monday morning, but supporters will now be watching hours earlier after FIFA reportedly took the unusual step of shifting the start time to 7pm UK time on Sunday evening.
Alarming weather charts and predictions indicated major thunderstorms and torrential downpours were expected to lash Mexico City around the initial kick-off.
Forecasts revealed nearly 5mm of rainfall was anticipated over the Banorte Stadium, more widely recognised as the Azteca, with an enormous belt of stormy conditions spreading across the Mexican capital.
According to tournament safety protocols, any lightning detected within an eight-mile perimeter of the venue automatically triggers a 30-minute postponement to proceedings.
A comparable threat caused chaos elsewhere during the competition. France’s group-stage encounter with Iraq was postponed by over two hours following extreme weather in Philadelphia.
FIFA’s World Cup rules also grant officials the authority to “cancel, reschedule or relocate” matches “at its sole discretion”, permitting fixtures to be shifted when safety issues emerge.
When questioned about the potential for a timetable alteration before FIFA rubber-stamped the change, England winger Marcus Rashford acknowledged it was “not ideal” but maintained the team would be prepared, reports the Mirror.
He said: “I think for us it’s the same how we prepare for the game – it has to be the same. We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. I think it’s one of our strengths as a group.
“Everyone, including the players and staff… we are ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. So obviously it’s not ideal but also it doesn’t really matter.”
The last-minute change occurred just days after Keir Starmer announced that pubs throughout England and Wales would be permitted to remain open until 5am if necessary so fans could watch England’s overnight World Cup matches.
The Prime Minister eased alcohol licensing regulations, meaning pubs and bars no longer required applications for special extended licences. England’s encounter in Mexico City had initially been anticipated to conclude after 3am UK time, with the potential to run even later should it go to penalties.