FIFA assertion in full as England match delayed by thunderstorm in Mexico City
England’s World Cup 2026 last-16 clash with Mexico has been delayed after a thunderstorm hit the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City just hours before the scheduled kick-off
Lightning over Mexico City (file image)
England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico has been postponed due to severe thunderstorms, which led officials to halt access to the pitch at the Azteca Stadium just hours before kick-off.
Thunder, lightning and heavy rain descended upon Mexico City roughly three hours prior to the planned start of the match, activating the stadium’s electrical storm safety measures.
Under these rules, no one is allowed onto the pitch while the storm continues, with media personnel directed to stay within the confines of the stadium’s media centre until the weather improves.
It has now been announced that the kick-off time has been pushed back to 2am on Monday, July 6 in the UK.
FIFA released a statement saying: “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.”
Prior to kick-off, some sources suggested that both the Mexican and England teams had been “told NOT to travel to the Azteca Stadium right now because of the storm protocols”. Sky News correspondent Rob Dorsett proposed that FIFA’s decision “will almost certainly mean a delayed kick off”.
Despite this, the Three Lions remain undeterred and have turned up regardless.
Dorsett subsequently added in his social media updates as events unfolded on the ground in Mexico City: “Just seen more lightning as we entered the Aztec Stadium.”
Those already inside the venue have described the thunder as ear-splitting, with booming crashes reverberating around the ground. Journalists positioned within the media areas have been instructed to stay under shelter until the tempest subsides.
BBC weather expert Tomasz Schafernaker explained: “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 this week, suggestions had been put forward to move Sunday’s match forward to midday local time due to forecasts predicting harsh weather conditions later in the day.
Nevertheless, both England and Mexico dismissed the proposal. The Football Association is believed to have resisted the proposal owing to the chaos it would have caused for England supporters’ travel plans, while the Mexican Football Federation likewise opposed the alteration.
FIFA eventually decided to stick with the original kick-off time, although the recent torrential thunderstorms mean the timing of the fixture remains dependent on the current weather conditions in Mexico City.
