England’s World Cup game against Mexico on Sunday could be moved to a more fan-friendly time this weekend.
According to local media reports, the round of 16 tie in the Azteca, which was due to kick off 6pm local time (1am Monday in the UK), could be brought forward to an earlier time on Sunday.
Weather forecasts suggest there could be thunderstorms and heavy rain around that time.
However, the tournament’s organisers FIFA are yet to confirm or provide an explanation for any change to the kick off time, which could potentially be noon local time, 7pm UK time on Sunday (July 5).
Under tournament safety rules, any lightning strikes detected within eight miles of the stadium result in an automatic 30-minute delay to play.
Mexico’s match against Ecuador was paused earlier this week due to heavy rain.
If confirmed, an earlier kick-off time could deliver a further boost to the hospitality trade here in Kent with pubs reporting soaring demand and early crowds for England’s 5pm game against DR Congo in the last round.
Last night (July 2), Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced pubs across England and Wales will now be able to stay open until 5am n Monday (July 6) for the match.
It comes after pubs were initially forced to turn away football fans for England’s next match this weekend due to licensing rules around late openings.
But in a much-welcomed U-Turn pubs and bars can now stay open later. It’s not known however if the game does move to an earlier kick-off time whether that will impact on this change.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council had criticised the timing of the government’s decision to let pubs stay open until 5am for England’s crunch tie against Mexico, with more than 1,000 venues set to stay open later including The Vineyard in Sittingbourne.
In a joint statement, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC lead for football policing, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green, NPCC lead for alcohol licensing and harm reduction, said the “late announcement” meant forces having to adapt plans and take officers away from communities.
They also asked England fans to be considerate to others and drink “sensibly” during the game.
This is a developing story. Refresh for further updates.
