Severe thunderstorms are forecast to hit Mexico City just as England's World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Mexico is set to kick off at 1am UK time on Monday, July 6. The match, scheduled for the legendary Azteca Stadium, faces potential disruption due to a high likelihood of thunderstorms and heavy rain.
FIFA Confirms Original Kick-Off Time Amid Speculation
FIFA has confirmed that the match timing remains unchanged despite earlier speculation about a possible reschedule. However, weather conditions may force adjustments. The Sun reported that supporters have shared photos and videos of heavy weather, with one comment: "24 hours before #ENGMEX biblical rain in Mexico City – forecast more of the same tomorrow around same time. Game should be done by breakfast time Monday morning."
Another added: "Heavy rains are being reported this afternoon in the City of #Mexico, and tomorrow the likelihood of rain remains high, just like this afternoon and evening. So it's no surprise that there are updates regarding the match." A third noted: "Torrential rain and thunderstorms here in Mexico City ahead of tomorrow's R16 game between England and Mexico. With a similar forecast tomorrow, there are concerns the match scheduled for Sun 1800 local (Mon 0100UK) could be disrupted."
Weather Forecast and Potential Delays
Mexico's national weather service, Servicio Meteorologico Nacional, reported an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms from 4pm local time on Sunday, two hours before the 6pm kick-off. According to Talk Sport, there remains a genuine possibility that kick-off could be postponed. Mexico's previous last-32 match against Ecuador was delayed by an hour due to a thunderstorm.
The primary concern is lightning. Regulations in the United States dictate that play must cease if a lightning strike occurs within eight miles of a stadium. Players would exit the pitch, and spectators would take cover in the stands, starting a 30-minute countdown. If another strike occurs within eight miles, the countdown resets. After 30 minutes without a strike, play can resume. FIFA must adhere to local authority guidance and cannot establish its own rules for such situations.
FIFA's Discretion to Reschedule
FIFA's regulations state that it reserves the right to "cancel, reschedule or relocate" matches "at its sole discretion." This comes as hundreds of pubs in the UK prepared to extend opening hours until 5am following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's decision, allowing fans to watch the match.
FIFA had initially intended to bring the start time forward by six hours due to the thunderstorm threat, but after objections from both Mexico and England, the original kick-off time was retained. England supporters will have to stay up late, though weather may still cause a delay.
