Sources told Al Jazeera that no decision had been made to change the kick-off time of 6pm local time in Mexico City.
Published July 4, 2026
The first round of the finals between Mexico and England will be held as scheduled on Saturday, with kick-off at 6pm local time (midnight Sunday local time), sources told Al Jazeera after media reports suggested the match could be rescheduled.
On Friday, multiple media outlets reported that the match schedule could be changed to avoid bad weather, but FIFA did not confirm that decision.
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A source told Al Jazeera: “No decision has been taken to change the kick-off time,” confirming that the match at the iconic outdoor Estadio Azteca will go ahead as scheduled.
Mexican media reported that the match will kick off at noon local time (18:00 GMT) instead of the originally scheduled 6:00 p.m.
Any changes to that fixture schedule would also affect the timing of Brazil’s match against Norway in New York, scheduled for 4pm local time (20:00 GMT).
Mexico’s last-32 match against Ecuador earlier this week was postponed due to rain.
If the change to Mexico vs. England had gone ahead, the playing environment might have been completely different. Instead of the relative cool of an evening kickoff, the teams faced the day’s most intense sunlight and potentially the highest temperatures in Mexico City.
Sunday’s forecast calls for a high UV index, with midday temperatures expected to be around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), even though the capital’s altitude is cooler than many other World Cup venues.
greater physical challenge
Considering the stadium’s altitude of approximately 2,200 meters, an earlier start would have placed an even greater physical burden on energy management.
Sports medicine experts say the thinner air reduces oxygen availability, accelerating fatigue and making repeated high-intensity sprints more difficult for athletes who are unaccustomed to the environment.
Mexico have played three of their four 2026 World Cup games so far with the Aztecs and could benefit from the switch as they are used to living and training at high altitude.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has already admitted that the hosts have a “huge advantage” and said his side did not have enough time to adjust physiologically before the final.
England striker Marcus Rashford was asked about reports of a time change and said his team was ready for any situation.
“I think it’s the same for us in how we prepare for the game,” he told reporters in Kansas City. “That has to change. We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. I think that’s one of the strengths of the group and everyone, including the players and staff.”
“We’re ready to meet whatever challenges are thrown our way. So… obviously it’s not ideal, but that’s okay too.”
England midfielder Morgan Rodgers added: “I don’t think it will affect us too much. I think we’ll be ready regardless of the time. We want to play so the sooner the better.”
“So, yeah, I’m looking forward to it and I’m ready for it whenever it comes.”
