UK blocks FIFA schedule change for England-Mexico match

The UK government intervened diplomatically to block a proposed schedule change for England's World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico, which England ultimately won 3-2 in a dramatic encounter early Monday morning UK time. Prime Minister Keir Starmer directed the effort after the Football Association raised concerns that FIFA was considering moving the kickoff from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. BST on Sunday, which would have given the English squad less time to acclimatize to the high altitude of Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.

FIFA's proposal, which emerged on Friday, was motivated by forecasts of severe thunderstorms around the original 6 p.m. local time slot. The governing body cited fan safety concerns regarding lightning and potential flooding at the 87,000-seat venue. The plan faced immediate opposition from both the English and Mexican football associations, who objected to such a significant change being made less than 48 hours before the match. Mexico's head coach, Javier Aguirre, criticized the proposed shift.

The UK government's involvement included diplomatic representations through Britain's ambassador in Mexico City, spearheaded by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Officials...