England's World Cup 2026 round of 16 match against Mexico faces potential disruption due to heavy thunderstorms forecast for Mexico City. The match is scheduled to kick off at 1am UK time on Monday, July 6, at the Azteca Stadium, but severe weather conditions could force a delay.
Weather Forecast and Potential Impact
Mexico's national weather organisation, the Servicio Meteorologico Nacional, has reported an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms from 4pm local time (10pm UK time) on Sunday, two hours before the scheduled 6pm local kick-off. The storms are expected to persist throughout the evening, raising concerns about player safety and match timing.
Fans have already shared photos and videos of torrential rain in Mexico City. One person wrote on social media: "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 commented: "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."
FIFA's Authority and Lightning Safety Rules
Although FIFA has not officially commented on the weather reports, regulations grant the organisation the right to "cancel, reschedule or relocate" matches "at its sole discretion." However, FIFA must follow local authority advice regarding lightning safety. According to US rules, play must stop if a lightning strike occurs within eight miles of the stadium. Players and fans would then seek shelter, with a 30-minute countdown commencing. If another strike occurs within eight miles, the countdown resets. Play resumes only after 30 minutes without a strike.
Mexico is no stranger to weather-related delays; their 2-0 last 32 match against Ecuador was pushed back by an hour due to a thunderstorm.
Earlier Plans to Change Kick-off Time
FIFA had previously considered moving the kick-off forward by six hours due to the storm threat, but after backlash from England and Mexico, the original time was retained. The match remains scheduled for 1am UK time, though the weather may still cause a delay. Meanwhile, hundreds of pubs in the UK have been granted permission by Sir Keir Starmer to open until 5am to accommodate fans watching the match.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was seen training at Club Universidad Nacional in Mexico City ahead of the game. The match is highly anticipated, with both teams aiming for a quarter-final berth.
