As the 2026 World Cup reaches the Round of 16, it marks some of the first opportunities for true heavyweight matchups.
There has certainly been plenty of exciting action thus far, both in the group stage and the Round of 32 — including some earlier exits than anticipated for the likes of Germany and the Netherlands. However, the second round of the knockout portion of the tournament will have some elite matchups, including Mexico vs. England.
Two of the better teams in the field are set to meet at Estadio Azteca, giving Mexico the benefit of another home crowd against Harry Kane and company. But while that match has originally been scheduled for Sunday evening, it could now kick off at midday based on reports.
Here’s what to know about the potential new start time for Mexico vs. England on Sunday.
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What time is Mexico vs. England game?
For now, nothing has officially changed from Mexico vs. England’s original start time of 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local time) on Sunday, July 5.
However, there appears a chance that the kickoff time changes. Multiple reports indicated on Friday that FIFA was considering moving the kick-off on Sunday due to weather.
A final decision has not yet been made,but a move up to a 2 p.m. ET (noon local time) kickoff has been considered “likely,” per ESPN and several other sources.
On the other hand, reporter Gibran Araige of TUDN MEX reported Friday that FIFA was backing down from its potential schedule change, with signs that the match could stay at the 8 p.m. ET kickoff.
Why is FIFA considering a Mexico vs. England time change?
Due to risk of weather disruption in Mexico City, including potential flooding, FIFA has been considering moving Mexico vs. England forward by a few hours on Sunday.
According to The Athletic, FIFA has been looking at moving both Mexico vs. England and Brazil vs. Norway on Sunday, potentially moving around two matches to keep them from being played at the same time.
Per The Athletic, FIFA’s 2026 World Cup regulations state that the organization “has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”
Mexico win over Ecuador in the previous round at the Azteca was delayed by thunderstorms.
Is Mexico vs. England time change official?
For the time being, FIFA hasn’t announced an official time change for Mexico vs. England. Until there is an official announcement, kickoff is expected at 8 p.m. ET.
However, BBC reported that FIFA was “locked in talks over the scheduling of the game.” Brazil vs. Norway at MetLife Stadium starting at 5 p.m. ET rather than 4 p.m. is understudy to be a likely knock-on if Mexico vs. England moves.
There have been conflicting reports about FIFA’s consideration for the time change, so until the organization makes an announcement, the match is planned to begin at 8 p.m. ET.
Forecast for Mexico vs. England game
Per The Athletic, there is an 80 percent chance for afternoon showers and thundershowers in Mexico City on Sunday. As for earlier in the day, around 12 p.m., “mostly cloudy skies with a temperature of 73F” is expected, but “the chance for rain will increase as the afternoon moves along.”
Accuweather details Sunday’s forecast in Mexico City as “cloudy with occasional rain and a thunderstorm late in the afternoon,” including two full hours of precipitation.