World Cup 2026: England v Mexico could move because of storm threat
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City has been rescheduled to 19:00 BST on Sunday, moved earlier from the original 01:00 BST Monday kickoff.
- The change is likely due to forecasted thunderstorms and heavy rain around the original time, with FIFA yet to provide an official explanation; safety rules mandate a 30-minute delay if lightning is detected nearby.
- England winger Marcus Rashford acknowledged the timing change as "not ideal" but emphasized the team's readiness to adapt and maintain focus regardless of challenges.
- The match's venue, Azteca Stadium, sits at 7,220ft altitude, posing physiological challenges such as thinner air and reduced oxygen intake, which can affect player stamina and performance.
- The earlier kickoff will also bring higher temperatures, rising from an expected 20°C in the evening to about 26°C at midday, potentially increasing the physical demands on players.
