England will take on Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup and now the kick-off time could be moved at the Azteca Stadium
FIFA could be set to move the kick-off time for England's World Cup fixture against Mexico to 7pm BST on Sunday. The last 16 fixture at the Azteca Stadium was originally set to get underway at 6pm local time on Sunday (1am Monday in the UK).
But BBC Sport report that, due to adverse weather conditions in North America, the kick-off could be altered with storms and heavy rain forecast. Mexico's Round of 32 win over Ecuador was delayed by thunderstorms in the region.
France's win over Iraq during the group stages was also weather-impacted, with the fixture in Philadelphia suspended for two hours. The change in kick-off team will come as a relief to England supporters watching on at home, with the match brought forward several hours.
Pubs in England and Wales have been allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday to allow fans to watch the game. It is unclear whether this will now remain the case if the kickoff time is moved forward.
Despite FIFA serving as the tournament's governing body, the protocols regarding electrical storms are based on recommendations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Under their guidelines, matches must be halted and suspended should a lightning discharge be detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
Players and staff will subsequently be required to leave the pitch, while supporters are advised to seek shelter within the stadium. Given that the Azteca's design does not feature a retractable roof, spectators could potentially be left exposed to the elements.
For play to resume, there must be no further lightning strikes recorded within that eight-mile radius of the ground for a full 30 minutes. Once that half-hour window has passed, fans may return to their seats, with players heading back onto the pitch for a 15-minute warm-up ahead of the restart.
Thomas Tuchel's side narrowly avoided a monumental upset at the World Cup against DR Congo, with captain Harry Kane riding to the rescue with a brace.
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The Tottenham Hotspur legend and Bayern Munich striker netted twice in the closing stages to complete a dramatic comeback and seal a 2-1 victory.
Co-hosts Mexico, meanwhile, have swept aside all opposition on their way to the last 16, dispatching South Africa, South Korea, the Czech Republic and Ecuador β rivals of tournament co-hosts America β without conceding a single goal.
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England, however, face the daunting task of quietening a passionate home crowd at the Azteca, compounded by the sweltering conditions at altitude, with the Mexico City ground sitting 2,200 metres above sea level.
The victorious side from this clash will go on to face the winner of the Brazil versus Norway tie (9pm kick-off) in the quarter-finals.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will be eager to boost his World Cup tally in the race for the golden boot as he comes up against Arsenal defender Gabriel.