World Cup 2026: England's last-16 tie with Mexico WILL kick

England's World Cup last-16 tie with Mexico will remain a 1am kick-off on Monday after confusion over a possible time move, but fears remain about predicted thunderstorms in the area.

Thunderstorms and bad weather are forecast to hit Mexico City around the time of kick-off.

That led to the emergence of reports around 8pm Friday night UK time that FIFA were considering bringing the game forward by six hours and were in discussions with the English and Mexican FAs.

The new proposed kick-off time would have been 7pm UK time on Sunday - midday local time.

Later on Friday evening, the direction of travel changed again, with local journalists reporting the Mexican FA was unhappy with the possibility of kick-off moving.

Just before midnight on Friday UK time, Sky Sports News was able to confirm the original kick-off time would remain.

But FIFA will meet with local organisers in Mexico City on Saturday to further discuss the possibility of disruptions to the match as fears remain about predicted thunderstorms in the area.

FIFA sources have told Sky Sports News that no decision was ever taken to move the game.

Meanwhile, England received a hostile welcome on Friday night as they arrived at their Mexico City hotel, where security has been heightened.

England had been hoping to keep their location undisclosed, but when their coach arrived at their hotel, hundreds of fans were already there, with many booing while others chanted "Mexico".

Official tournament weather reports specifically for the Azteca Stadium, produced for FIFA's planning purposes and which have been seen by Sky Sports News, suggest there is still a 90 per cent risk of lightning storms at the stadium around kick-off.

The reports say to expect "lightning activity which may temporarily affect outdoor operations" and that match officials should "maintain readiness for lightning safety procedures." It describes the risk of disruption as "medium-high".

FIFA rules say that any lightning within a six-mile radius of the stadium will lead to an immediate postponement for the safety of player and spectators - whether or not the game has started. Only once there is a 30-minute clear window with no lightning will a match be allowed to go ahead.

England's final World Cup warm-up game against Costa Rica was delayed by an hour due to storms and flooding, while France's World Cup match against Iraq was also delayed for nearly two hours.

Last summer, six of the 63 games at the Club World Cup in the USA were disrupted by weather delays.

Chelsea's round of 16 game against Benfica lasted more than four hours and was held up for two hours due to thunderstorms in the area around the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Thomas Tuchel's side flew to Mexico on Friday and took off uncertain of what the resolution would be.

Speaking after a training session earlier in the day, England midfielder Morgan Rogers said: "We'll be ready regardless of the time." However, he added: "Earlier the better because you want to play."

His team-mate Marcus Rashford, said: "We have to be focused. We have to be ready for anything. I think it's one of our strengths as a group - everyone, including the players and staff, we are ready for whatever challenges get thrown at us."

The kick-off time remains less than ideal for England supporters back in the UK. After beating DR Congo in the previous round, Tuchel was asked what his message would be for parents of children who would want to watch the game.

He said: "Write an excuse for school and let them watch football. Come on. There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch. There will be a big, big match on and we need the support of everyone, and especially of the children."

On Thursday, the UK government announced pubs and bars would be able to stay open until 5am on Monday so England supporters could watch the knockout tie against the co-hosts. The government used legislative powers to extend licensing hours on the basis that Mexico vs England is an event of "exceptional national significance".