FIFA has confirmed that England's World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico will be restarted on a future date if the match is abandoned due to thunderstorms. The game is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with a 6pm local time kick-off (1am BST on Monday).
Weather Concerns and Potential Delays
The build-up to the match has been overshadowed by fears of thunderstorms. The weather forecast for Sunday predicts cloudy conditions and rain through the morning and early afternoon, with a high of around 25 degrees Celsius. However, isolated thunderstorms with high humidity are expected from around 3pm, potentially continuing intermittently through the evening past 7pm.
If lightning is detected within a six-mile radius, FIFA safety protocols state that supporters and teams will be prevented from entering the stadium. The game will not start or restart until there is a 30-minute lightning-free window.
What Happens if the Game is Abandoned?
According to the BBC, if conditions do not improve and FIFA is forced to abandon the match, World Cup regulations dictate that the game will be played on a future date. It will restart from the exact minute it was paused, with the same scoreline and players on the pitch. For example, if the match is stopped in the 88th minute, play would resume for the remaining two minutes plus stoppage time.
FIFA would decide the date, but it would likely be the next day due to the tight fixture schedule, with the winners due to play the quarter-final on July 11.
FIFA's Abandonment Rules
FIFA's ruling regarding an abandoned World Cup fixture includes the following provisions:
- The match shall recommence at the minute play was interrupted, not replayed in full, with the same scoreline.
- Play restarts where it stopped (e.g., free kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty kick). If the ball was in play, a dropped ball is used.
- The same players and substitutes available at abandonment remain.
- No additional substitutes may be added to the start list.
- Teams can only make the number of substitutions they were entitled to at abandonment.
- Players sent off during the abandoned match cannot be replaced.
- Disciplinary measures already imposed stand.
- Kick-off time, date, location, and other matters are decided by FIFA.
Previous Weather Delays
FIFA is closely monitoring the weather after Mexico's 2-0 win over Ecuador in the last 32 at the same venue on Tuesday was delayed by an hour due to thunder and lightning. The England vs Mexico match is being treated with similar caution to ensure safety.
