England versus Mexico kick-off delayed due to 'adverse weather conditions'
England’s last 16-clash against Mexico has officially been delayed due to thunderstorms.
The game was set to get underway at the Estadio Azteca at 1am UK time on Monday (6 July) morning.
However, it had been suspected that bad weather might cause the game to be delayed in accordance with FIFA rules around thunderstorms.
Now FIFA has confirmed the start time will be delayed.
Advert
In a statement, FIFA said: “Due to adverse weather conditions in Mexico City, including risk caused by lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the kick-off of the World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Mexico and England has been delayed to 19.00 local time (21:00 EDT). The safety and security of all individuals is Fifa’s priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation.”
This means kick-off has been delayed for an hour until 2am BST.
At about 2.30pm (9.30pm BST), heavy rain and thunderstorms greeted England and Mexico fans outside the Estadio Azteca, with loud rumbles of thunder coming and going in the hours before kick-off.
The big screens inside the stadium displayed signs warning people that an electrical storm was approaching and to remain in their seats, though people ran for cover when the heavens opened.
Play cannot begin until 30 minutes has passed since lightning was detected within an eight-mile radius.
Over the weekend, England fans had hoped that the predicted bad weather could lead to an earlier kick-off time of 7pm UK time.
However, FIFA then announced that no change had been made and the original kick-off time remained in place.
With football fans already facing a late one, the prospect of a delay of at least an hour won’t be welcomed.
But it probably should have been expected with Mexico’s weather service announcing there would be an 80% chance of thunderstorms at 5pm local time (12am BST), and a 60% chance at 6pm (1am BST).
Alongside that, reporters and fans out in Mexico City previously said there was ‘no chance’ the game would go ahead on time.
According to talkSPORT presenter Olivia Buzaglo, Brits should prepare themselves for the long haul.
She posted on X this weekend to warn fans to expect the start time of the game to be pushed back after the weather she has seen so far.
Buzaglo wrote: "Being in Mexico City, you can understand why they wanted to change the kick off time. It’s nearly 5pm here and it is absolutely hammering it down. Like properly.
"Absolutely no way the game kicks off at 6pm tomorrow. There’s been about 15 lightning bolts in half an hour."
Alongside the heavy rainfall, Thomas Tuchel’s team will be put to the test as Mexico City sits 7,349 feet (2,240 metres) above sea level - and they haven't had time to adapt to the altitude.
England coach Tuchel previously pointed out that this gives Mexico 'a huge advantage', but said it's just something they are going to 'have to deal with'.
If England win tonight, they'll face Norway in the quarter finals, thanks to their 2-0 defeat over Brazil earlier today.
Topics: World Cup
Claire Reid