Thousands of England fans have been plunged into travel chaos with their World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico set to be moved earlier in the day.
Thunderstorms are expected in Mexico City on Sunday around the original kick-off time of 1am BST (6pm local time). There has been no official confirmation of the change yet but England have been told the game is likely to move forward by six hours – meaning a 7pm kick-off in the UK.
Many England fans travelling down from the 2-1 round of 32 win against DR Congo were booked onto flights arriving in Mexico in the afternoon. It is understood the FA only found out the possibility of the kick-off being moved from media reports in Mexico.
On Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer had intervened to extend licensing hours so that pubs could stay open into the early hours but those plans are likely to be shelved.
The Azteca Stadium during a hail storm in May 2024 (Photo: Getty)Thomas Tuchel’s side have been preparing for unfavourable conditions with Estadio Azteca sitting 7,220 feet above sea level. The altitude is expected to have a major bearing on the game and the new time could also mean playing in hotter temperatures.
Mexico have only lost two of the 89 matches they have played at the stadium.
Fifa have already had to move one match at this World Cup due to weather conditions, with France’s group-stage win over Iraq delayed by two hours due to a storm in Philadelphia. World football’s governing body says it can “cancel, reschedule or relocate” matches.
Tournament safety rules state any lightning strikes detected within eight miles of the stadium result in an automatic 30-minute delay to play. Brazil’s match against Norway, currently scheduled for 9pm Sunday UK time, could also be moved.
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