TOPSHOT - A general view of the Mexico City Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City on June 30, 2026.

Report: Mexico-England kickoff time won't be changed after talks

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RODRIGO OROPEZA / AFP / Getty

England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico will kick off at its originally scheduled time on Sunday following discussions over possibly bringing the start of the game forward due to storms, a source close to the arrangements said Friday.

Reports in Britain and Mexico said earlier Friday that FIFA was planning to move the kick-off at the Estadio Azteca from 6 pm local time (8 p.m. ET) to midday due to concerns over forecast storms and flooding in Mexico City on Sunday.

However a source with knowledge of the FIFA discussions said Friday that the game would start at its original time, emphasizing that "no decision was ever made to reschedule KO time."

When asked about the potential change in kick-off, England forward Marcus Rashford said at training on Friday it would not be "ideal" but that players would take it in their stride.

"How we prepare for the game, it has to remain the same. We have to be focused, we have to be ready for anything," Rashford said.

"I think it's one-in-one strength of the group. Everyone is really good, players and staff," he added.

"We're ready for whatever challenges (are thrown at us. Obviously, it's not ideal, but also it doesn't mean anything."

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