England vs Mexico World Cup last-16 kick-off stays at 1am Monday after weather confusion

England's World Cup last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico will kick off at 1am UK time on Monday as originally scheduled, after a day of conflicting reports over a possible time change. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to hit Mexico City around the original kick-off window, which led to speculation on Friday evening that FIFA was considering moving the game forward by six hours to 7pm UK time on Sunday. That would have been midday local time – a far more viewer-friendly slot for fans back in England. By late Friday, however, the direction shifted. Local journalists reported that the Mexican Football Federation was unhappy with the proposed change, and shortly before midnight UK time, News confirmed the original kick-off time would stand. FIFA sources insisted no decision to move the game had ever been taken, though the governing body said it would continue to monitor the weather situation. Thomas Tuchel's squad flew to Mexico on Friday unaware of what the final call would be. Speaking after a training session earlier in the day, England midfielder Morgan Rogers said: "We'll be ready regardless of the time. Earlier the better because you want to play." Forward Marcus Rashford added: "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 awkward kick-off hour prompted the UK government to announce on Thursday that pubs and bars across England would be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday, using legislative powers to extend licensing hours. The decision was based on the match being deemed an event of "exceptional national significance." Tuchel, asked after the previous round about children wanting to watch the game, 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."