England vs Mexico fears as followers fear thunderstorms will trigger World Cup chaos
England take on Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in the World Cup last-16 in the early hours of Monday morning, with pubs and bars set to be rammed
There is a chance of thunderstorms ahead of England’s World Cup clash vs Mexico. (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
England’s World Cup match against Mexico could be delayed, leaving fans with a problem in Monday morning’s kick-off. Games in Mexico and America have been hit with delays due to thunderstorms.
That could be the case at the Azteca. Fans in England will beat the tiredness to stay awake for the 1am scheduled kick-off, but a delay could force supporters to pull an all-nighter.
Dramatic thunderstorms delayed Mexico’s last game against Ecuador, which was rescheduled for an hour later than initially planned. Mexico came out as 2-0 winners as they booked their place in the last 16, where they will meet Thomas Tuchel’s men, following their nerve-wracking 2-1 win over DR Congo.
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Weather forecasts predict that there is currently a 28 per cent chance of thunder and lightning at the stadium, adding to what is already expected to be an electric atmosphere that England will have to contend with. If the action is delayed, it could cause a problem for fans back home.
It has been announced that pubs will be allowed to stay open until 5am to allow supporters to watch the match. Any delay could see it finish beyond the curfew, forcing fans onto the street and in search of somewhere else to watch the remainder of the game, even without delays, the possibility of extra time and penalties means that game may not finish until 4am.
Rules, which come from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are used in the USA for sporting events. They say that a game has to be stopped if lightening is detected within eight miles of the stadium. All players must leave the pitch and fans have to find shelter away from their seats.
There will then be a 30-minute countdown from the last strike before the game can continue. If there is another bolt of lightning, then the 30-minute timer restarts.
After the timer is up, fans are able to make their way back into the stadium and play is allowed to take place.
Taking to social media, one fan said: “What if the England game goes on past 5am on Monday morning? The game can easily be delayed by thunderstorms!” A second said: England won, wahooo! But, we now have a 1am kick-off against Mexico… in Mexico… oh, and there’s thunderstorms forecast… so, kick-off could be delayed… so, get your coffee ready!”
A third added: “England vs Mexico will be Monday at 1am and the forecast is thunderstorms so might get delayed or not at all.”
A fourth asked “I’ve just been thinking pubs are open till 5am and i know it’s Mexico not USA but they can have storms etc what happens if the game gets delayed for a thunderstorm and goes extra time? Do they stay open or do they have to shut at 5am? That would be funny I wont lie.”
