BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountHomeNewsSportEarthReelWorklifeTravelCultureFutureMusicTVWeatherSoundsMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportEarthReelWorklifeTravelCultureFutureMusicTVWeatherSoundsClose menu BBC SportMenuHomeWorld CupFootballCricketFormula 1Rugby UTennisGolfCyclingAthleticsMoreA-Z SportsAmerican FootballAthleticsBasketballBoxingCricketCyclingDartsDisability SportFootballFormula 1Gaelic GamesGolfGymnasticsHorse RacingMixed Martial ArtsMotorsportNetballOlympic SportsRugby LeagueRugby UnionSnookerSwimmingTennisFull Sports A-ZMore from SportEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern IrelandNews FeedsHelp & FAQsEnglandMen's Scores & FixturesWorld Cup: Knockout PathEngland-Mexico kick-off unchanged after Fifa U-turnImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, England will take on Mexico at the Azteca at 6pm local time as planned England's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico will kick-off as scheduled at 01:00 BST on Monday after a Fifa U-turn on a plan to bring the game forward. Fifa held talks with the English and Mexican football associations on Friday after proposing the match be moved to 19:00 BST on Sunday (12:00 local time). Weather forecasts suggest there could be thunderstorms at that time, though Fifa has not provided any explanation for its suggested change. Sources told BBC Sport that Fifa had been set to reschedule the fixture, and confirm in a statement, but news of the proposal angered both English and Mexican officials. As a result, the game in Mexico City is now due to be played at its original kick-off time of 18:00 local time on Sunday. Fifa regulations for World Cup 2026 state it has the right to "cancel, reschedule or relocate" matches "at its sole discretion". The proposed change were first reported by local media in Mexico. Fifa maintained no decision had been made and - after pushback from both associations - it was decided to keep the match at its original kick-off time. Published1 hour ago'A kick in the stomach' - Mexican fury at proposalBefore the kick-off time was left as it was, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre appeared to suggest the Mexican FA had been told the game would be brought forward. Speaking to a local radio station, the 67-year-old described the proposed change as a "kick in the stomach". "We have to change everything," he told radio station Grupo Formula. "It's not that [Mexico's preparation] is completely ruined but almost, because you have to swallow six hours that you had programmed. "Obviously we will comply with Fifa. I don't like it at all, and neither do my players." Aguirre, who said an earlier kick-off time would not be an advantage to his team, said he had not been consulted over the proposals. "They didn't even ask for my opinion," he said. "Fifa organises, Fifa decides, and I comply. "We adapt, there are no excuses, and we have to play and win." The threat of extreme weather has been a constant throughout the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States. Fifa introduced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half for all World Cup fixtures because of the threat of high temperatures, though they have continued even in more comfortable conditions. Mexico have already experienced interruptions to their preparations so far this tournament, with their last-32 tie against Ecuador delayed by an hour because of thunder and lightning in Mexico City. France's group-stage fixture against Iraq was delayed for over two hours because of safety concerns amid adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia. Last summer's Club World Cup, which was also hosted by the United States, had six major weather delays across the 63 matches played. The build-up to Sunday's fixture has been dominated by talk about Mexico's record at the Estadio Azteca and how England's players will deal with the altitude. The arena sits 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level, and Mexico have lost just twice in 89 matches at the iconic stadium. At that altitude, the Earth's barometric pressure is lower, making the air thinner and meaning less oxygen is taken into the bloodstream with each breath. Even for professional footballers, that has a potentially significant impact - increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration, quicker and more intense fatigue. The fixture will kick off in the early evening, when temperatures are forecast to be about 20C. Had it moved to midday, temperatures would have been about 23C. To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be played 'You can't breathe' - what's it like playing at altitude? 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Original Source: BBC Sport
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