FIFA Maintains Scheduled Time for Mexico vs. England World Cup Match

The World Cup match between Mexico and England will proceed at its original time, despite the threat of an afternoon thunderstorm. Scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (8 p.m. EDT) at the Azteca Stadium, the game will not be rescheduled, according to informed sources.

FIFA considered moving the match earlier to avoid possible flooding disruptions. However, after consultation, officials decided against changing the time. Discussions included input from the Mexican federation and other stakeholders.

Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal to change the match time. He remarked, “It’s a kick in the gut; now we must change everything. It’s not that all the work goes down the drain, though it’s close, because you’re having to scrap six hours of scheduled planning. I don’t like it at all.” Aguirre emphasized the challenge of altering preparatory plans at short notice.

The situation also affected England’s plans. The team arrived in Mexico City late Friday and scheduled a Saturday practice at UNAM Pumas. Changing the match timing would have reduced their acclimation time to the city’s high altitude, which exceeds 7,300 feet (2,200 meters).

Sports scientists highlight the need for an adaptation period when competing at high altitudes. They recommend at least two weeks of acclimation or the ‘fly-in, fly-out’ approach to minimize fatigue. England’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, expressed concerns about adapting to Mexico’s elevation, stating, “My understanding is that we cannot adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have.”

The match concludes Mexico City’s hosting of this year’s World Cup events.