The World Cup match between Mexico and England will proceed at its originally scheduled time Sunday, despite concerns about a potential afternoon thunderstorm in Mexico City. The game will start at 6 p.m. local time (8 p.m. EDT) at the Azteca Stadium. FIFA considered moving the round of 16 game to an earlier time, according to a source familiar with the situation, but ultimately decided against it. Both the source and a Mexican federation official, who confirmed the decision, requested anonymity due to restrictions on public commentary.

The consideration for rescheduling arose from concerns about flooding disrupting the match. Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, expressed frustration with the proposal, describing it as a major inconvenience to the team’s preparations. “It’s a kick in the gut,” Aguirre remarked in an interview with Radio Formula. He noted the challenge posed by losing six hours of planning, stating, “I don’t like it at all.” Nevertheless, Aguirre assured that they would comply with FIFA’s decisions, even though he and his players were not pleased with the possibility.

Such a change would have also affected England, with their squad scheduled to arrive late Friday and train on Saturday at UNAM Pumas in southern Mexico City. An earlier game time would have left them with limited time to acclimatize to the city’s high altitude, over 7,300 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level. Experts emphasize the need for athletes to adapt to high altitudes to minimize fatigue linked to reduced oxygen availability. England coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged these challenges, noting, “We cannot adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have.” He emphasized the lengthy time required for acclimation.

Sunday’s game marks Mexico City’s fifth and final match of this year’s World Cup.