England left in the dark as FIFA discussed Mexico kick-off change without telling the FA

The Football Association spent roughly six hours on Friday with no idea when England’s last-16 World Cup tie against Mexico would actually kick off, after FIFA held discussions about moving the game without informing either nation.

The original start time of 6pm local (1am in the UK) was under consideration for a switch to 12 noon local (7pm UK) due to a weather forecast predicting storms, heavy rain and potential lightning over Mexico City on Sunday. The FA, Thomas Tuchel, the England players and staff all discovered the discussions were happening not through official channels but through the Mexican media, where news of the potential change spread rapidly.

Mexico’s manager also complained publicly, describing the situation as a “kick in the stomach”. That both head coaches were left in the dark less than 48 hours before a World Cup knockout fixture represents a significant organisational failure from FIFA and the tournament’s organisers.

England forward Marcus Rashford attempted to play down the disruption. “I think for us it’s the same how we prepare for the game,” he said. “It has to be the same. We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. I think it’s one of our strengths as a group. Everyone, including the players and staff — we are ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us. So obviously it’s not ideal but also it doesn’t really matter.”

The weather forecast, which sources described as having been remarkably accurate throughout the tournament, does predict the storms will clear by around 8pm local time. Neither this World Cup nor the recent Club World Cup — both of which have experienced weather delays — had previously seen a kick-off time moved as a result, making the discussions unusual in themselves.

FIFA did consult local authorities, security services, police and stadium staff before the matter leaked. The argument that information is difficult to contain in Mexico City carries some weight, but the failure to loop in the competing nations before news went public is harder to defend.

A further complication involves England supporters who booked flights specifically timed to arrive ahead of the original kick-off. Had the change gone ahead, many would have missed the start of the match entirely.

FIFA ultimately decided to keep the original kick-off time after the FA made their objections known, but the episode leaves a damaging impression of how the tournament is being run.