One of the most highly anticipated Round of 16 matches in the 2026 World Cup is Mexico vs. England on Sunday, July 5, at Mexico City Stadium (Banorte Stadium).
Both teams are unbeaten so far in the tournament, with Mexico on a four-game winning streak without conceding a goal, and England remaining one of the favorites to win the competition this summer.
The July 5 match was set to be played at 6 p.m. local time in Mexico City, Mexico. That would mean kickoff at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT in the United States, and 1 a.m. in London, England.
An initial report from Mexico's Claro Sports suggested that the heavyweight matchup will now be moved to an earlier kickoff time at 12 p.m. local time in Mexico City.
TUDN Mexico reporters Andres Vaca and Gibran Araige have also confirmed the change, and FIFA is set to publish an official statement confirming the time change. ESPN sources later reported the change as "likely."
For Mexico and England, the reported new time means the match will instead begin at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT in the United States and 7 p.m. local time in London, England.
Why Will the Kickoff Time Change?
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
FIFA has yet to issue an official statement about the kickoff time change for Mexico vs. England in the Round of 16.
Claro Sports Mexico reports that the change is due to the threat of thunderstorms at the time of the original start time. According to GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs, FIFA is considering moving multiple knockout games due to weather.
There is speculation that the time change could also be ideal for fans in the UK to watch the game at a more convenient time.
However, Accuweather's forecast validates the concern of inclement weather in Mexico City, showing a 79% probability of precipitation and 31% chance of afternoon thunderstorms at Banorte Stadium.
If confirmed by FIFA, Mexico will play its second game at Mexico City Stadium during the day. Mexico played South Africa at 1 p.m. local time on the opening day of the 2026 World Cup, and Mexico won the game 2-0.
Mexico's Round of 32 match against Ecuador on June 30 was also delayed due to thunderstorms. The game started an hour after the original kickoff time.
UPDATE: Mexico vs. England will not be played at an earlier kickoff time; the match will retain its kickoff at 6 p.m. local time at Mexico City Stadium.
- Mexico vs. Ecuador Round of 32 Ratings: Who Was Man of the Match?
World Cup Results for Mexico and England So Far
Mexico was one of three teams (out of 48 qualifying nations) to go undefeated in the group stage, emerging atop Group A with 9 points and a plus-6 goal differential. They looked dominant against Ecuador and controlled the match after two first-half goals.
Here are the co-host nation's results so far:
- Group stage: Mexico (2) def. South Africa (0)
- Group stage: Mexico (1) def. South Korea (0)
- Group stage: Mexico (3) def. Czechia (0)
- Round of 32: Mexico (2) def. Ecuador (0)
MORE: Diego Luna Raises Eyebrows With Mexico Comment After USMNT Snub
England just snuck by Croatia for the top spot in Group L with 7 points, thanks to two wins against Croatia and Panama, and a draw with Ghana.
It took a late Harry Kane brace to overcome a surprise DR Congo team in their first knockout match after trailing 1-0 for nearly 70 minutes. Here's a closer look at England's path:
- Group stage: England (4) def. Croatia (2)
- Group stage: England (0) draw Ghana (0)
- Group stage: England (2) def. Panama (0)
- Round of 32: England (2) def. DR Congo (1)
As of publishing, Mexico sits at No. 10 in FIFA's World Ranking, while England comes in even higher at No. 4.
