Another FIFA World Cup Intervention from a Top Politician: British PM Steps In

According to British media, the Prime Minister sought to prevent FIFA from moving the match's kick-off to an earlier time, a change that could have unfairly benefited host nation Mexico.

The British government acted after an alert from the English Football Association (FA). The Sun reported that the FA had approached the Prime Minister's office with concerns that the national team would have less time to acclimatize to Mexico's high altitude.

FIFA initially wanted to play the match at the Azteca Stadium several hours earlier due to the threat of storms, but ultimately backed down from the plan. The game then started an hour later than scheduled after the stadium's safety protocol was activated due to storms.

England ultimately defeated Mexico 3-2, despite the hostile atmosphere, high altitude, and Jarell Quansah's red card, advancing to the quarter-finals where they will face Norway. DPA reported this information.