England’s World Cup last-16 tie with Mexico is under scrutiny—not for what happens on the pitch, but for when it starts. The scheduled 1am (UK time) kick-off has drawn criticism from broadcasters, players, and supporters alike, raising questions over whether FIFA will intervene to move the match to a more viewer-friendly slot. Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett has outlined the logistical and commercial factors that could force a change before the knockout-stage draw is finalised, with the governing body’s media department now reviewing the request.
Why the 1am kick-off is a problem
The current schedule places England’s match in the early hours of the morning for UK audiences, a timing that risks dampening live viewership and fan engagement. Broadcasters have long argued that late-night fixtures reduce advertising revenue and dilute the tournament’s atmosphere, particularly when matches are played in distant time zones. FIFA’s own broadcasting guidelines prioritise prime-time slots to maximise global audiences, and a 1am start in the UK falls well outside that window. While the tournament’s organisers have historically resisted wholesale schedule changes, precedent exists for last-minute adjustments—most notably when the 2018 World Cup moved knockout ties such as France vs Argentina (originally scheduled for 4pm UK time) to 7pm and 10pm slots to accommodate European broadcasters.
The issue is compounded by the fact that England’s potential progression beyond the last 16 would see them face a second consecutive late kick-off if the schedule remains unchanged. With the knockout stages already condensed, any delay in confirming the fixture’s time risks disrupting travel plans for travelling supporters—particularly those from the UK who would need to adjust flights—and complicating broadcast logistics for networks covering multiple matches in a single day. Former England striker and pundit Gary Lineker has publicly questioned the timing, stating on BBC Sport that “1am is not a time for football; it’s a time for sleep.”
What could force a change
Pressure is mounting from Sky Sports, which holds the UK broadcast rights for England’s World Cup matches. The network has highlighted the financial and editorial drawbacks of a 1am start, citing reduced live audiences and the logistical challenges of producing high-quality coverage at such an hour. FIFA’s commercial partners, including major sponsors such as Adidas and Visa, have also expressed concerns about the impact on global viewership, particularly in Europe where late-night fixtures are less likely to attract casual viewers. A source within FIFA’s commercial division told Sky Sports that “the revenue implications of a 1am kick-off are significant, and we are reviewing all options to ensure the tournament remains commercially viable.”
Crucially, FIFA’s own regulations—specifically Article 14.3 of the 2022 World Cup Regulations—allow for schedule adjustments if “compelling reasons” arise, including broadcaster requests or player welfare concerns. While no decision has been made, the precedent of the 2018 World Cup—where several matches were moved to accommodate European broadcasters—suggests that FIFA is willing to act when commercial interests align with fan experience. The governing body’s media department is understood to be reviewing the request, with a decision expected within the next 48 hours, according to a spokesperson for Qatar 2022’s organising committee.
What happens next
The most likely outcome is a shift to a 7pm or 10pm UK kick-off, aligning the match with prime-time viewing in Europe and North America. Such a change would require coordination with stadium authorities in Qatar, where the match is set to take place at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, as well as adjustments to broadcast feeds for global networks including beIN Sports and Fox Sports. FIFA’s scheduling committee would need to approve any alteration, balancing the demands of broadcasters with the logistical constraints of stadium operations and security. A source within Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy confirmed to The Guardian that “we are prepared to make the necessary adjustments to ensure the match is accessible to the widest possible audience.”
If no change is made, England’s players and staff will face the added challenge of preparing for a match in the early hours of the morning, a scenario that has drawn criticism from former internationals and medical experts alike. The timing also risks overshadowing the on-field narrative, as late-night fixtures often struggle to generate the same level of pre-match hype or post-match analysis as prime-time games. Dr. Rajpal Brar, a sports performance consultant who has worked with Premier League clubs, told The Athletic that “a 1am kick-off disrupts circadian rhythms, increases injury risk, and makes tactical preparation far more challenging for teams.”
For now, the focus remains on FIFA’s decision. With the knockout stages looming, the governing body faces a clear choice: uphold the original schedule and risk alienating broadcasters and fans, or adjust the kick-off time and set a precedent for future tournaments. Either way, the outcome will shape how World Cup matches are scheduled—and viewed—for years to come.
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