FIFA abandon plans to postpone England vs Mexico

FIFA abandon plans to postpone England vs Mexico FIFA has decided not to postpone the England-Mexico 2026 World Cup last-16 showdown despite claims to the contrary. According to the BBC , there were concerns about severe weather in Mexico City, but the event will not be moved. The tie is currently due to take place at the Azteca Stadium at 1:00am BST on Monday (6:00pm local time on Sunday), but talks were underway to move the match to 7:00pm BST. The proposed alteration was made due to forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms around the original start time. Under FIFA’s tournament safety regulations, any lightning strike detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium triggers a minimum 30-minute delay, raising fears of disruption. FIFA has reportedly been preparing an announcement, but decided to stick to the original time. The Football Association and the Mexican Football Federation were reportedly caught off guard by the late proposal, with officials from both camps frustrated by the uncertainty. Local reports in Mexico later claimed FIFA had begun to back away from the change, while preparations for the match continued as normal, including security and logistical meetings. FIFA’s tournament regulations allow it to cancel, relocate or reschedule fixtures at its sole discretion, leaving the final decision in its hands. With the time sorted, Thomas Tuchel appears set to stick with his preferred midfield combination by restoring Declan Rice to the centre of the pitch. Rice impressed during England’s uncomfortable victory over Congo after filling in at right-back, producing an assured display. However, Tuchel is expected to prioritise Rice’s leadership, ball progression and defensive presence in midfield for the sterner test against Mexico. That should open the door for Reece James to return to the starting XI if he proves his fitness. The Chelsea captain offers far greater quality in possession and creativity from wide areas than Djed Spence, whose display against Congo failed to convince. England will hope James is miraculously ready, with his experience and attacking threat likely to be crucial in this knockout tie.