Second World Cup game could be moved as Mexico vs England presents major FIFA headache

The kick-off time of a second World Cup game could be moved amid reports that FIFA are set to push back the kick-off of Mexico versus England.

According to BBC Sport, FIFA are set to settle on a revised kick-off time of 12pm local for the last 16 clash in Mexico City, having originally scheduled a 7pm kick-off.

For fans watching in England, the revised kick-off time - if confirmed, would be 7pm, rather than the anticipated 1am overnight clash that supporters and local businesses were expecting.

There are potential thunderstorms forecast for around one hour before the original kick-off time in Mexico City, with government protocols mandating that outdoor activities must be suspended for half an hour after each lightning strike.

READ MORE: FIFA considering Mexico vs England start time change in unprecedented decision

Sky News report that the FA are yet to be informed of developments. FIFA are yet to officially comment or explain the reasoning behind the time change proposal.

SPORTbible have contacted FIFA and the FA for comment but are yet to receive a response.

Second World Cup kick-off time under threat

Should the match between Mexico and England require extra time and penalties under the revised kick-off time, it would overlap with the last 16 clash involving Brazil and Norway in New Jersey.

The Mexico match would begin at 2pm ET, with Brazil versus Norway getting underway at 4pm ET.

There is no explicit rule that states knockout games cannot be played at the same time, but BBC Sport's Dale Johnson is reporting that Brazil versus Norway would be pushed back from its scheduled kick-off time to avoid an overlap if, as expected, it is required to be changed.

A spokesperson for the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) told The Athletic: "A change is possible and we are waiting on FIFA."

No definitive kick-off time has been provided and FIFA are also yet to comment on that specific scheduling issue.

Matches have been delayed so far during the World Cup, but Mexico versus England and Brazil versus Norway could become the first matches to have their kick-off times moved outright at this summer's tournament.

Mexico's last 32 clash against Ecuador was delayed by an hour due to the lightning strike protocol, which covers an eight to 10-mile radius outside the host stadium.

The group clash between France and Iraq, meanwhile, kicked off on time but was suspended for around two hours between half-time and the second half kicking off. Both matches were played to their conclusion.