England vs – England arrive in Mexico City aiming to handle extreme altitude and potential fan disruption before the England–Mexico match at 8:00 p.m. ET. FIFA considered shifting the Round of 16 kickoff due to thunderstorm risk after Tuesday’s Ecuador game was delayed by
England’s Round of 16 trip to Mexico City starts long before kickoff.
The game itself is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday night, with England facing Mexico in a match expected to be massive in the host city. It comes as many Americans focus on Monday night’s U.S. game against Belgium in Seattle, but the spotlight inside Mexico City is already bright tonight.
FIFA weighed moving the Round of 16 contest up by six hours because of the threat of thunderstorms. Tuesday night’s win over Ecuador in the Round of 32 was delayed by a full hour before kickoff due to lightning in the area. Whatever the final start time becomes, the match has drama built into the weather and the surrounding atmosphere.
England arrived Friday to acclimate to the extreme altitude. They had hoped to keep quiet the location of their hotel. On Friday night, they had no issues—but the sleep they wanted didn’t last. Social media is filled with videos of Saturday night’s efforts by Mexican fans to disrupt the England party with music and fireworks. similar to what happened the night before the Ecuador game.
The stakes extend well beyond the stadium gates. If Mexico wins to clinch a spot in the quarterfinal round. authorities have already moved to avoid a repeat of what followed Tuesday’s victory over Ecuador. Four people died during an intense, overcrowded celebration at the Angel of Independence monument.
Safety limits are in place for Sunday night’s potential frenzy. Only 25,000 people will be allowed in the Angel of Independence area, with an increased security presence and other efforts aimed at controlling the chaos.
Kickoff timing remains part of the suspense, too. The match window opens earlier with an appetizer at 4:00 p.m. ET, as Brazil plays Norway at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But with England–Mexico starting at 8:00 p.m. ET tonight. the main event in Mexico City is set for a night that could be defined as much by altitude. storms. and crowd control as by the football itself.
England Mexico Round of 16 Mexico City FIFA kickoff thunderstorms lightning delay Angel of Independence England altitude acclimation Brazil Norway MetLife Stadium World Cup