World Cup Round of 16: England vs. Mexico - FIFA Maintains Original Kick-off Time

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Los Angeles, July 4, Comprehensive Foreign News) The Round of 16 knockout stage of the World Cup is about to begin. Regarding external concerns about whether the match between England and Mexico will be held earlier due to poor weather, sources revealed that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) will maintain its original plan, with the match scheduled to kick off on time at 6:00 PM local time on the 5th (8:00 AM Taiwan time on the 6th).

British and Mexican media reported earlier on the 3rd that due to a weather forecast for Mexico City predicting possible thunderstorms and flooding on the 5th, FIFA had originally planned to move the match at the Estadio Azteca from 6:00 PM local time to noon.

However, sources familiar with FIFA's discussion process stated that the match will still kick off at the originally scheduled time, emphasizing that FIFA "never made a decision to change the kick-off time."

When asked about the potential change in kick-off time during pre-match training on the 3rd, England forward Marcus Rashford said that if the time were adjusted, it would be "not ideal," but the players would face it calmly.

Rashford said, "The way we prepare for this game won't change. We have to stay focused and be ready for any situation."

"Whatever challenges we face, we are ready. Of course, this situation (an earlier start) is not ideal, but it won't affect us." (Compiled by Shi Shi) 1150704

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