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England’s World Cup last-16 tie with Mexico will have a 1am kick-off on Monday after confusion over a possible time move.
Thunderstorms and bad weather are forecast in Mexico City during kick-off.
This led to reports emerging at around 8pm UK time on Friday that FIFA was considering bringing the game forward six hours and was in talks with the English and Mexican FAs.
The new proposed kick-off time will be 7pm UK time – midday local time on Sunday.
This would have been a much more convenient kick-off time for England fans watching from home, but it would have added complications for both teams preparing for the match and for the fans in attendance at the Azteca Stadium.
Later on Friday evening, the direction of travel changed again, with local journalists reporting the Mexican FA were unhappy with the prospect of kick-off being moved.
Just before midnight on Friday UK time, Sky Sports News was able to confirm that the original kick-off time would remain; However, FIFA will continue to monitor the situation, particularly any changes in the weather.
Fifa sources said this information Sky Sports News No decision has been made to move that game.
England will face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City
Thomas Tuchel’s side fly to Mexico on Friday and are left unsure of what the resolution will be.
Speaking after a training session earlier in the day, England midfielder Morgan Rodgers said: “We’ll be ready regardless of the time.” However, he added: “The earlier the better because you want to play.”
His team-mate Marcus Rashford said: “We’ve got to be focused. We’ve got to be ready for anything. I think that’s one of our strengths as a team – everyone, including the players and the staff, we’re ready for any challenge that comes our way.”
Kick-off time remains less than ideal for England fans back in the UK. After beating DR Congo in the previous round, Tuchel was asked what his message would be for parents of children looking to watch the game.
He said: “Write an excuse for the school and let them watch football. Come on. There are a lot of schools to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch. There will be a big, big match and we need everyone’s support, especially the children.”
On Thursday, the UK government announced that pubs and bars could stay open until 5am on Monday so England fans could watch the knockout tie against the co-hosts. Mexico v England The government used legislative powers to extend the license period on the grounds that an event of “extraordinary national significance”.
