Earlier on Friday, July 3, reports from Mexican media suggested that FIFA planned to move up the kickoff time of Sunday's Round of 16 match between Mexico and England from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. local time in Mexico City.
This was reportedly due to the threat of severe thunderstorms and potential flooding on Sunday afternoon at the Mexico City Stadium.
Just days ago on June 30, the kickoff time for Mexico's Round of 32 win over Ecuador was delayed for an hour due to thunderstorms near the Mexico City Stadium.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
However, ESPN is reporting that there will be no time change "after lengthy talks between FIFA and the two national associations."
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre expressed his frustration with the kickoff time change in an interview with Joaquín López-Dóriga.
"It's a kick in the stomach," Aguirre said. "This changes everything. They informed me about it here, I don't agree, FIFA calls the shots and we have to swallow garlic and water. Now we have to change our plans; nobody consulted me. Neither I nor my players like this change. I'm pissed off."
FIFA Won't Change Kickoff Time for Mexico vs. England
Gibran Araige of TUDN Mexico and Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport also confirmed that FIFA decided that Sunday's game will remain at 6 p.m. local time despite discussions to move the game earlier.
For the United States, the match is set to kick off at its initial time of 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Mexico vs. England could still be delayed if weather forecasts continue to suggest that thunderstorms will arrive around kickoff, similar to the Mexico vs. Ecuador game.
The match will also be played after the Brazil vs. Norway match, which will be played on Sunday at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
