Mexico vs England World Cup Match Rescheduled to 9 PM Israel Time Due to Weather Forecast

The highly anticipated Round of 16 World Cup match between host nation Mexico and England, originally scheduled for 3:00 AM Israel time on Monday, is expected to be moved earlier to 9:00 PM Israel time on Sunday evening. This change is prompted by weather forecasts in Mexico City predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain around the original kickoff time. FIFA has not yet issued an official statement, but it is anticipated that the opening whistle at the Azteca Stadium will be advanced to avoid weather-related disruptions.

According to tournament safety protocols, any lightning detected within approximately 13 kilometers of the stadium automatically triggers a 30-minute delay. This precaution follows a precedent set during the group stage when the France vs. Iraq match in Philadelphia was delayed for over two hours due to severe weather concerns. FIFA's 2026 World Cup regulations grant the organization exclusive authority to cancel, reschedule, or relocate matches as deemed necessary.

The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will host the Mexico-England match, which is part of the knockout stage lineup. Other Round of 16 matches include Canada vs. Morocco on July 4 in Houston, Paraguay vs. France on July 5 in Philadelphia, Portugal vs. Spain on July 6 in Arlington, and the USA vs. Belgium on July 7 in Seattle. Brazil faces Norway on July 5 in New Jersey, Argentina or Cape Verde will play Australia or Egypt on July 7 in Atlanta, and Switzerland will meet Colombia or Ghana on July 7 in Vancouver. The quarterfinals will be composed of the winners from these matches.