The game at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium had originally been scheduled to start at 1am on Monday UK time, leaving many supporters facing a late night before work or school.
However, reports in Mexico suggest FIFA is considering bringing the kick-off forward by six hours because of the threat of thunderstorms. At the time of publication, FIFA had not officially confirmed the change.
For football fans across Swindon, an earlier kick-off would transform the occasion.
If approved, the match would instead begin at 7pm UK time, allowing families to watch together and giving pubs and clubs across Swindon the opportunity to host supporters during the evening rather than into the early hours.
Swindon24 sports reporter Ian Howard welcomed the potential change. He said:
“This is a great solution to the problem of adults and children having to stay up until almost sunrise on Monday morning. Schools and work places can breathe a sigh of relief!
“Come on England, bring home the result and we can have a full night’s sleep too!”
The earlier start is also expected to create a much bigger atmosphere across the town, with homes, pubs and clubs likely to be filled with England supporters if the revised kick-off is confirmed.
England secured their place in the last 16 after beating DR Congo, setting up a tie against tournament co-hosts Mexico in one of the biggest matches of the competition so far.
For supporters in Swindon, there is now hope they will be able to back England without sacrificing a full night’s sleep before Monday morning.
At the time of publication, FIFA had not confirmed the revised kick-off time, although multiple media outlets report a 7pm UK start is expected because of forecast severe weather in Mexico City.
