The round of 16 match between Mexico and England, scheduled for this Sunday, will change its schedule. The threat of an electrical storm forced the opening whistle to be brought forward to 12:00 p.m., according to sources close to EL UNIVERSAL Deportes. The match will be played at the Mexico City Stadium, originally scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Climate background in the World Cup
It is not the first time that the weather alters the development of the tournament. The match between France and Iraq also suffered delays, and Mexico vs Ecuador had a late start due to the same conditions. This is the first meeting that modifies its schedule days in advance.
Journalist Andrés Vaca, from TUDN, first spread the information. Later, various sources confirmed the change.
Advantage for Mexico, challenge for England
The adjustment benefits the Mexican team and complicates the English team. Thomas Tuchel’s team landed in the country on Friday afternoon, and playing under the intense sun will accentuate the effect of the altitude. Mexico City is located 2,240 meters above sea level. Until now, England had played in cities such as Dallas (130m), Boston (6m), New York (10m) and Atlanta (320m).
For Mexico, it will be the earliest match in the tournament. Previously, the opening match against South Africa began at 1:00 p.m. FIFA and the Organizing Committee have not yet made the change official, but everything indicates that it will happen.
