England's World Cup last-16 tie with Mexico is reportedly set to be moved to an earlier kick-off time on Sunday due to the threat of thunderstorms. Fifa is understood to be considering bringing forward the match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which was originally scheduled for 01:00 BST on Monday (18:00 local time on Sunday).

Forecasts indicate a possibility of thunderstorms and heavy rain around the original kick-off time. Under tournament safety regulations, lightning detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium can lead to an automatic 30-minute delay to play. Fifa has the authority to cancel, reschedule, or relocate matches at its discretion.

While Fifa has not officially confirmed any decision, discussions regarding the fixture's start time are ongoing. The potential change comes amidst broader concerns about weather impacting World Cup 2026 fixtures. England winger Marcus Rashford acknowledged that a schedule change would be "not ideal" but expressed confidence in the squad's ability to adapt. "We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything," he stated.

The implications of a potential earlier kick-off could also include playing in higher temperatures. The match had been set to start in the early evening when temperatures were forecast around 20C. An earlier start could see temperatures rise to approximately 26C, potentially exacerbating the effects of playing at high altitude.

The Estadio Azteca sits 7,220 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level, a factor that significantly impacts player performance due to thinner air and reduced oxygen. Mexico boasts an impressive record at the venue, having lost only twice in 89 matches.

This potential rescheduling echoes similar weather-related disruptions in recent tournaments. France's group-stage match against Iraq in Philadelphia was delayed by over two hours due to adverse weather. The Club World Cup, also hosted in the United States last summer, experienced six significant weather delays across its 63 games.

Professional footballers are susceptible to the effects of high altitude, including increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration, and fatigue. These conditions can be intensified by higher ambient temperatures.

Fifa has maintained that no definitive decision has been made regarding the match's kick-off time, indicating that the situation remains under review and in ongoing discussion.