The World Cup schedule is set for a dramatic twist as reports emerge that England's last-16 showdown with Mexico could kick off SIX HOURS EARLIER than planned! The England team will likely take to the pitch at 7pm BST on Sunday evening, instead of the originally scheduled 1am BST on Monday morning. This change comes in response to severe storm warnings in Mexico City, where the match is set to be played.
Mexican media outlets are suggesting that this alteration has been made to mitigate the risk of adverse weather conditions. The BBC has also confirmed their understanding of the situation, citing sources with direct knowledge. It's a smart move by FIFA, as it'll undoubtedly make life easier for fans back in the UK – who wouldn't want to watch the Three Lions take on the Mexicans at a more civilised hour?
However, this change might create logistical headaches for FIFA. The Brazil v Norway last-16 clash is still slated for 9pm BST, and there's a risk of the two matches overlapping if England takes a while to wrap up. This could lead to further changes in the schedule – and we all know how much FIFA loves to avoid clashes in knockout stages.
The shift also raises questions about the plans for UK pubs, where fans were set to gather at 1am on Monday morning. Will they be able to stay open later if the game starts at 7pm on Sunday? And what about the debate around school start times – will children get a later wake-up call so they can watch the action unfold?