England's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico will proceed as originally scheduled after football's world governing body, Fifa, reversed a plan to bring the match forward. The game, set to take place in Mexico City, will now kick off at 18:00 local time on Sunday as initially planned, avoiding a proposed earlier start of 19:00 BST on Sunday (12:00 local time).

The proposed change had prompted urgent talks between Fifa, the English Football Association (FA), and the Mexican Football Federation on Friday. Initially, Fifa suggested moving the match to Sunday evening, a move that reportedly angered officials from both nations. The FA requested additional time to thoroughly review updated weather forecasts, which had been cited as a potential factor, though Fifa did not explicitly state the reason for the suggested alteration.

Sources indicated that Fifa was prepared to confirm the rescheduled fixture but encountered significant pushback from both the English and Mexican football bodies. Concerns were raised about the implications for player preparation, fan travel logistics, and the overall security arrangements for such a high-profile match. The FA had been actively involved in security discussions following a tragic incident where four individuals died after Mexico's previous match.

This U-turn by Fifa means the match will adhere to its original schedule, a decision that will be welcomed by both teams and their traveling supporters. The controversy highlights the complexities of coordinating global sporting events, where logistical, safety, and fan considerations must be balanced with administrative decisions.

Fifa regulations grant the organization the authority to cancel, reschedule, or relocate matches at its discretion. However, the swift reversal following objections suggests a willingness to consult with member associations on significant scheduling adjustments. The initial proposal for an earlier kick-off was reportedly first surfaced by local media in Mexico.

Reports in Mexico had suggested that the BBC was involved in lobbying for an earlier kick-off, a claim the corporation has denied. A BBC spokesperson stated that the organization was not part of any discussions regarding the change in kick-off time. The BBC is scheduled to broadcast the match live across its platforms.

The original plan for the match was to kick off at 01:00 BST on Monday. The proposed shift to Sunday evening local time was met with surprise by England's players, who were reportedly nearing the end of training in Kansas City when news of the potential reschedule broke. Officials expressed frustration at the timing of the information, feeling it was too late to implement such a significant change.

Preparations for the match were continuing as normal for England, with FA officials engaged in planning and security discussions. The situation underscores the communication challenges that can arise during major international tournaments, particularly when proposed changes impact multiple stakeholders with established logistical plans.