Thunderstorms sweeping through Mexico City have forced officials to delay the kick-off of the World Cup last-16 match between England and Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. The electrical storm safety protocol was activated approximately three hours before the scheduled start, barring all personnel from the pitch and preventing fans from entering the stadium.
Storm Triggers Safety Protocol
Thunder, lightning and torrential downpours hit the Mexican capital around three hours before the match was due to begin. Under the stadium's electrical storm regulations, no one is permitted on the playing surface while the storm persists. Members of the media have been instructed to remain in the media centre until conditions improve. Fans were also barred from entering the ground, despite gates having been scheduled to open three hours before kick-off. Players are expected to arrive roughly 90 minutes before the match, but their access may also be affected.
Potential Delays and Review Process
Officials are monitoring the weather closely, with a decision on a potential delay expected about 30 minutes before the original kick-off time. If conditions remain hazardous, the match will initially be postponed by 30 minutes, followed by further 30-minute delays until it is deemed safe to play. Those already inside the stadium described the thunder as deafening, with crashes echoing around the venue.
Meteorologist's Forecast
BBC meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker said: "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."
Previous Weather and Security Concerns
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 due to storms. Earlier in the week, proposals were tabled to move Sunday's fixture to midday local time due to forecasts of severe weather later in the day, but both England and Mexico rejected the suggestion. According to reports, concerns extended beyond weather, as Mexican government officials flagged security risks following a crowd crush after Mexico's victory over Ecuador, which left four people dead. Senior officials approached FIFA on Thursday to discuss altering the kick-off time to minimise the risk of a repeat, but the Football Association objected due to disruption to England fans' travel plans, and the Mexican Football Federation also opposed the change. FIFA ultimately decided to keep the original kick-off time, though the recent thunderstorms mean the fixture remains subject to weather conditions.
