World Cup organisers FIFA face changing their knockout round schedule on the fly with inclement weather due to affect multiple round of 16 matches across Mexico and the United States
Brazil’s World Cup round of 16 clash with Norway could be pushed back by an hour due to concerns over the heat, according to Goal Brasil reporter Raisa Simplicio. A spokesperson for the Brazilian Football Federation told The Athletic: “A change is possible, and we are waiting on FIFA”.
The fixture is currently set to get underway at 4pm local time (9pm BST). However, a potential alteration to England‘s tie against Mexico could see both matches overlap.
A 4-hour gap between the two games had originally been planned. Now, though, the match in Mexico City is reportedly being moved up by six hours.
Should that game be brought forward while Brazil vs Norway remains unchanged, the two matches could clash if England vs Mexico goes to extra time. FIFA organises knockout stage fixtures to avoid any overlap, as in the group stage, except for the final matches, which kick off simultaneously.
The governing body does have the authority to make such amendments. Tournament regulations confirm that FIFA “has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”
These two fixtures would be far from the first to be affected by the weather at this World Cup. Mexico’s previous match against Ecuador in the round of 32 was delayed by an hour while officials waited for storms to clear.
France have also been caught up in the disruption, with their group stage clash against Iraq pushed back two hours due to thunderstorms in Philadelphia. Further interruptions could yet follow.
They are scheduled to face Paraguay in their round of 16 tie at the same venue on Saturday. This time, temperatures are forecast to hit 38°C in the city.
Yet, there is currently no indication of any changes to the kick-off time, which remains at 10pm BST. New Jersey and New York also have weather warnings in place due to the intense heat this weekend.
However, temperatures are expected to ease on Sunday compared to Friday and Saturday. Measures around heat and heavy rain are unclear, but could be tested during these knockout stages as it heats up this summer across North America.
Thunderstorms are the one scenario where this tournament has clearly defined safety protocols in place. Lightning strikes within eight miles of the match trigger an automatic half-hour delay.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login