FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico vs England kickoff delayed by severe weather at Azteca
Mexico City, July 6
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash between Mexico and England was delayed by one hour on Sunday after severe weather, including lightning, heavy rain and hail, struck the area around the Azteca Stadium, reported ESPN.
FIFA confirmed that the match, originally scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. local time, would now kick off at 7 p.m. local time (9 p.m. EDT) after storm protocols were activated.
"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 7 p.m. local time (9 p.m. EDT). The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA's priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation," a FIFA statement read.
According to ESPN, a shelter-in-place order was issued approximately an hour before the scheduled kickoff, with spectators, media and stadium staff instructed to remain under cover as thunder rolled over the stadium and lightning flashed across the sky.
The disruption came after discussions earlier in the week about moving the match to an earlier start time to avoid forecast storms. At one stage, a noon kickoff was considered, but FIFA ultimately retained the original evening schedule before Sunday's weather forced the postponement.
Starting XIs
England: Jordan Pickford, Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane.
Mexico: Raul Rangel, Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado.
Tuchel made three changes to England's lineup, with Jarell Quansah replacing Djed Spence at right back and Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon returning to the starting XI. Aguirre, meanwhile, kept faith with the same Mexico side that defeated Ecuador in the previous round.
Under FIFA protocol, a match cannot begin or continue if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Play can only resume after a 30-minute period without any lightning strikes, with each new strike resetting the countdown timer.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Safety first, absolutely! FIFA needs to be stricter about these protocols in tropical regions. But I must say, the organization around this match seems chaotic – they knew about forecast storms days ago and still kept the evening slot. The noon kickoff would have avoided all this. Hope the fans stay safe under shelter. Delhi's monsoon season says hi! 😅🌧️
As an Indian football fan, I'm enjoying this World Cup but the weather issues are becoming a joke. First the heat in Dallas, now lightning in Mexico City. At least the Azteca has that iconic roof but it's not covering the pitch or the stands properly. England's midfield with Bellingham and Rice should dominate even in wet conditions. Come on, let's play! ⚡
This is ridiculous – FIFA had a whole week to adjust the schedule and they waited until the last minute. The Azteca has hosted World Cup matches for decades and they still can't handle simple weather delays? Meanwhile, fans are stuck in concrete corridors for hours. Sport needs better planning. Good luck to both teams when they finally get out there though.
Watching from Bangalore at 6:30 AM and this delay means I'll miss my morning commute! But honestly, the players' safety matters more than my sleep schedule. 😴 Interesting that Mexico kept the same XI that beat Ecuador – Aguirre is backing his team. Raul Jimenez leading the line at his home stadium in these conditions could be magical. Vamos Mexico! 🇲🇽
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