England's World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico delayed as thunderstorm hits Azteca Stadium
England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico has been delayed after fierce thunderstorms swept through Mexico City, forcing FIFA to push kick-off back to 2am UK time on Monday, July 6.
England's World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico has been postponed after severe thunderstorms led officials to suspend access to the pitch at the Azteca Stadium just hours before kick-off.
Thunder, lightning and heavy rainfall swept across Mexico City approximately three hours before the scheduled start of the match, triggering the venue's electrical storm safety protocol.
Under those regulations, nobody is permitted onto the playing surface while the storm continues, with members of the press instructed to remain within the stadium's media centre until conditions improve.
It has since been confirmed that the kick-off has been pushed back until 2am on Monday, July 6 in the UK.
FIFA said in a statement: "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."
Several sources indicated before kick-off that both the Mexican and England squads had been "told NOT to travel to the Azteca Stadium right now because of the storm protocols". Sky News correspondent Rob Dorsett suggested that the decision by FIFA "will almost certainly mean a delayed kick off".
Nevertheless, this hasn't dampened the spirits of the Three Lions, who have turned up regardless. Dorsett subsequently continued in his social media account of events as they developed on the ground in Mexico City: "Just seen more lightning as we entered the Aztec Stadium."
Those already inside the venue have characterised the thunder as ear-splitting, with crashes reverberating around the arena. Journalists already positioned within the media facilities have been instructed to stay under cover until the storm subsides.
BBC meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker stated: "Thunderstorms and shower clouds have been developing around Mexico City in the last few hours.
"On social media there are reports of downpours affecting parts of the city, however it is difficult to verify if lightning has been occurring close to the football ground itself.
"The showers are likely to continue to grow, threatening disruption.
"All eyes on the horizon and fingers crossed the storms stay well away, but it's a close call. Any storms are likely to linger for hours.
"The severe weather follows a similar incident during Mexico's round-of-32 victory over Ecuador at the same stadium, when kick-off was delayed by an hour because of storms."
Earlier in the week, suggestions had been put forward to move Sunday's fixture forward to midday local time due to forecasts predicting severe weather later in the day.
Nevertheless, both England and Mexico dismissed the proposal. The Football Association is reported to have opposed the proposal owing to the disruption it would have caused for England supporters' travel plans, while the Mexican Football Federation raised similar objections to the proposed change.
FIFA ultimately decided to keep the original kick-off time, although the recent severe thunderstorms mean the scheduling of the match remains dependent on the prevailing weather conditions in Mexico City.