What time is Mexico vs. England? FIFA considering time change for Round of 16 game due to weather

As the 2026 World Cup reaches the Round of 16, it marks some of the first opportunities for true heavyweight matchups. 

There has certainly been plenty of exciting action thus far, both in the group stage and the Round of 32 — including some earlier exits than anticipated for squads like Germany and Netherlands. However, the second round of the knockout portion of the tournament will have some elite matchups, including Mexico vs. England.

Two of the better teams in the field are set to meet at Estadio Banorte, giving Mexico the benefit of another home crowd against Harry Kane and company. But while that match has originally been scheduled for Sunday night, it now faces a chance of being moved.

Here's what to know about the potential new start time for Mexico vs. England on Sunday. 

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

What time is Mexico vs. England game?

For now, nothing has officially changed from Mexico vs. England's original start time of 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local time) on Sunday, July 5.

However, that appears likely to change soon. Multiple reports indicated on Friday that FIFA was considering moving up kick-off on Sunday due to weather.

A final decision has not yet been made, but a move up to a 2 p.m. ET (noon local time) kickoff is considered "likely," per ESPN. 

Why is FIFA considering a Mexico vs. England time change?

Due to risk of weather disruption in Mexico City, including potential flooding, FIFA has been considering moving Mexico vs. England up by a few hours on Sunday.

According to The Athletic, FIFA has been looking at moving both Mexico vs. England and Brazil vs. Norway on Sunday, potentially moving around two matches to keep them from being played at the same time. 

Per The Athletic, FIFA’s 2026 World Cup regulations state that the organization “has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”

Previously, there has been another of Mexico's World Cup matches already impacted by weather, with thunder and lightning delaying the team's game with Ecuador in the Round of 32.

Is Mexico vs. England time change official?

For the time being, FIFA hasn't announced an official time change for Mexico vs. England. Until there is an official announcement, kickoff is expected at 8 p.m. ET.

However, BBC reported that FIFA was "locked in talks over the scheduling of the game."

Forecast for Mexico vs. England game

Per The Athletic, there is an 80 percent chance for afternoon showers and thundershowers in Mexico City on Sunday. As for earlier in the day, around 12 p.m., "mostly cloudy skies with a temperature of 73F" is expected, but "the chance for rain will increase as the afternoon moves along."

Accuweather details Sunday's forecast in Mexico City as "cloudy with occasional rain and a thunderstorm late in the afternoon," including two full hours of precipitation.