Fans in England face a late night and early morning as the national team prepares for a crucial World Cup match against Mexico, set to kick off at 1 a.m. UK time. The significant kickoff time presents a dilemma for many, who must decide whether to stay up to watch the match live, a decision complicated by fears of potential delays due to thunderstorms in Mexico City.
Celebrities like Jamie Laing and Josh Widdicombe have shared their strategies for staying awake for the match. Laing posted a photo of his wife, Sophie Habboo, in an England shirt, humorously noting he had not yet informed her of the late kickoff. Widdicombe detailed a plan involving making his sofa into a makeshift bed and taking a power nap to be ready for the game, even if it is subject to weather-related delays.
Pubs across England are extending their hours until 5 a.m. to accommodate the match, which is scheduled to be held at the Azteca Stadium. Some schools have also indicated flexibility, allowing students to arrive later than usual if they stay up to watch.
FIFA's Proposed Schedule Shift
The buildup to the Round of 16 clash was marked by confusion regarding the kickoff time. FIFA had considered moving the match forward by six hours, from its scheduled 6 p.m. local time (Mexico City) start, to midday local time (7 p.m. UK time), in an effort to avoid predicted thunderstorms. This proposal, which reportedly reached both the Football Association (FA) and the Mexican Football Association, was met with negative reactions from both organizations.
Such a change would have significantly impacted player preparation schedules, which are typically meticulously organized. While thunderstorms were forecast for the original kickoff time, they were expected to pass by 8 p.m. local time, though concerns about flash flooding remained. The potential rescheduling also affected other matches, briefly prompting a half-hour delay for Brazil's game against Norway in New Jersey.
Ultimately, FIFA's attempt to alter the kickoff time was hindered by various factors, including a reluctance from New York and New Jersey officials to shift their own scheduled fixture. Sources indicated that a decision to move the game was nearly finalized, but the proposals, which the FA reportedly learned of through Mexican media, generated strong opposition.
Matchday Challenges
Mexico City officials are anticipating a busy day with over a million people expected in the streets. England faces a challenging match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, where the home team boasts a strong record. England's manager, Thomas Tuchel, has acknowledged the team's disadvantage due to the short preparation time for the city's high altitude.
Potential delays due to thunderstorms are still a possibility, as match rules dictate suspension in the event of lightning within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. A victory for England would advance them to a quarter-final match against either Brazil or Norway. Historically, England has played six times at the Azteca, with one draw against Mexico in 1969 and a loss in 1985. The stadium is expected to be filled with passionate Mexican fans, while England's supporters will be limited to approximately 4,000.