The England vs Mexico World Cup match will go ahead as planned | World Cup 2026

No proposal has been made to reschedule the 6pm local time in Mexico City, sources tell Al Jazeera.

Mexico’s knockout game against England will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday with a 6pm local time (00:00 GMT Sunday), sources told Al Jazeera after reports suggested the match had been rescheduled.

Several media reported on Friday that the game could be postponed due to inclement weather, but the move has not been confirmed by FIFA.

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“No decision has been made to postpone the start time,” sources told Al Jazeera, confirming that the event at the open stadium of the Estadio Azteca will continue as planned.

Mexican media reported that the match will start at noon local time (18:00 GMT), instead of the 6pm start.

Any changes to the match would also affect the timing of Brazil’s match against Norway in New York, which was scheduled for 4pm local time (20:00 GMT).

Mexico’s last 32 match against Ecuador earlier this week was delayed due to rain.

If the changes in the Mexico-England game were to continue, it would change the way they play. Instead of a slightly cooler evening, the teams could face a strong sun and the heat of the day in Mexico City.

Sunday’s forecast shows temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day under the high UV index, although the capital’s altitude will make conditions cooler than many other World Cup venues.

A serious physical problem

Combined with the stadium’s length of approximately 2,200 meters, an early start would have resulted in significant energy efficiency gains.

Sports chemists say thin air reduces oxygen availability, accelerates fatigue and makes high-speed sprints difficult for unaccustomed athletes.

Mexico, who have played three of their four 2026 World Cup matches at the Azteca so far and are used to high-profile training, could benefit from the change.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has already admitted that the players have a “huge opportunity”, saying his side do not have enough time to prepare before the game.

England striker Marcus Rashford said the team will be ready no matter what, when asked about reports of a change of schedule.

“I think for us it’s the same, you know, how we prepare for the game,” he told reporters in Kansas City. “It has to be like that. We have to be consistent, we have to be ready for everything, and I think that’s the strength of the team and everyone, including the players and the staff.

“We’re ready to deal with whatever challenges come our way, so…obviously, it’s not good, and it doesn’t matter.”

England midfielder Morgan Rogers added: “I don’t think it affects us, I think we will be ready for a long time, maybe it will be better because you want to play.

“So, yes, we’re expecting it any time, and we’ll be ready.”