England's World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico could be delayed or even postponed as severe weather threatens the host nation. The game, scheduled for 1am UK time (6pm local) on Monday at the Estadio Azteca, faces an 80% chance of thunderstorms, according to Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol.
Weather threat forces contingency plans
Forecasts in Mexico City indicate a high likelihood of lightning, which could disrupt the schedule. Solhekol explained: “FIFA has decided for the time being that the game will kick off as originally planned at 1am UK time. But we are being told there’s an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms. If there are storms, if there is lightning, then the players would be led back into the dressing room. The fans would be asked to leave and go to the concourses to stay away from the threat of lightning. The game would be held up.”
He added that similar delays occurred in the US last summer, with games delayed by up to two or two and a half hours. “Now if that happens, if the game doesn’t kick off at 1am, what if it kicks off at 3am, and then goes to penalties. Fans should prepare for the possibility that the game doesn’t kick off at 1am. And prepare for the possibility that it could last a lot longer,” Solhekol said.
Earlier reports of rescheduling denied
Reports earlier this week suggested the match might be moved forward to 7pm UK time on Sunday, but FIFA has since stated this was never considered. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre criticised the idea, calling it a “kick in the gut.”
The Three Lions' clash remains a crucial knockout tie, with fans urged to stay alert for updates as the weather situation evolves.
