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FIFA Evaluates Earlier Kick-Off Time Amid Storm Warnings

FIFA is currently discussing the possibility of moving the kick-off time for England's World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against co-host Mexico to an earlier slot due to storm warnings in Mexico City, as reported by a news outlet.

Originally set for 6 p.m. local time (0000 GMT Monday), the match at Estadio Azteca may now start at noon (1800 GMT) to mitigate potential weather disruptions.

Ongoing talks between FIFA and the Football Association have yet to yield a final decision. The governing body aims to prevent a repeat of the significant weather delays that impacted several games during last year's Club World Cup held in the United States. Additionally, Mexico's previous World Cup match against Ecuador faced delays due to rain, highlighting concerns about storms in the afternoon and evening.

An earlier kick-off would also necessitate changes for fans in England, as special licensing had been arranged for pubs to stay open until the early hours of Monday for the original match time.

England Faces a Challenging Match at Azteca

Regardless of the start time, England is set to face a formidable challenge against an unbeaten Mexico team at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium.

England's Journey to the Round of 16

Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, England managed a late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the previous round, despite initially trailing due to an early goal from Brian Cipenga. Captain Harry Kane played a crucial role, scoring two goals in the second half, bringing his total to five goals and placing him in contention for the tournament's Golden Boot.

However, England's performance raised concerns, as they did not register a shot on target until the 30th minute and struggled to penetrate the Congolese defense for extended periods.

Mexico's Strong Performance at Home

On the other hand, Mexico has gained momentum on home turf, advancing to the last 16 with a solid 2-0 win over Ecuador after finishing the group stage unbeaten.

For England, returning to the Azteca brings back memories of their notorious quarter-final loss to Argentina in the 1986 World Cup. This time, Tuchel's squad must conquer both the home team and the challenges of one of football's most demanding venues to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.