FIFA decides to keep Brazil-Norway match time unchanged amid weather concerns

Despite discussions over rescheduling the Mexico-England Round of 16 match in Mexico City due to adverse weather conditions, FIFA has decided to keep the original schedule unchanged.

As a result, the Mexico-England match will take place at its scheduled time. With no change to the schedule, the Brazil-Norway match will also be played on the same day as originally planned.

According to the current schedule, Mexico and England will face off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City at 6:00 am Bangladesh time on Monday, July 6. Brazil and Norway will play at the New Jersey Stadium in the USA at 2:00 am Bangladesh time on Sunday, July 5.

FIFA officials held multiple meetings with the Mexican and English football associations after forecasts predicted heavy thunderstorms and adverse weather at the possible match time in Mexico City. Proposals were made to move the match from evening to 12:00 pm local time, six hours earlier. However, considering travel, preparation and logistics for both teams, the decision was made to keep the schedule unchanged.

Public safety was also a key concern for organisers. Local authorities feared that if the match was delayed due to weather, maintaining spectator safety and order late at night could become difficult. There have been previous incidents of deaths amid tensions surrounding Mexico's matches.

This will be the last match on Mexican soil at the 2026 World Cup, with all remaining matches to be held in the United States.