England fans may face an all-night viewing experience for their team's last-16 World Cup match against Mexico, as thunderstorms are forecast in Mexico City, potentially leading to significant delays. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. local time (1 a.m. GMT) at the Azteca Stadium.
FIFA's regulations stipulate that a match must be suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Play can only resume after a 30-minute period with no further lightning strikes in the vicinity. In such an event, players would be escorted to the dressing rooms, and spectators would be directed to concourse areas.
Forecasters have indicated that thunderstorms are "increasingly likely" in the afternoon and early evening. Accuweather stated that lightning occurring near the stadium before or during the match is a possibility, which could result in game suspensions.
Any delays would extend the already late viewing times for millions of England fans watching in the UK, pushing the potential end of the match closer to 6 a.m. or even later. Supporters were already anticipating a match that could finish near 4 a.m. if it went to extra time and penalties.
Pubs across England have received special government permission to extend their opening hours into the early morning to accommodate the late kickoff. Schools have also made arrangements for students to start their day later on Monday. England captain Harry Kane acknowledged the potential for late nights, expressing hope for "a few all-nighters" for fans celebrating a potential victory.
Talks were held to potentially move the match start time from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the same day. These discussions were reportedly influenced by pressure from the Mexican government following incidents at a previous match and concerns about adverse weather, including flash flooding. However, these proposed changes were met with strong opposition from both the English and Mexican football associations and their respective coaches.
Ultimately, FIFA decided against altering the scheduled kickoff time. The confirmation that the time would not be shifted was reportedly received while the England team was en route from Kansas City to Mexico City.
This is not the first time this World Cup, being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has experienced weather-related delays. Two previous matches have been suspended due to thunderstorms. Mexico's last-32 victory over Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium was halted for an hour, and France's group stage win against Iraq was delayed by over two hours.
England arrived in Mexico City on Friday for their Sunday fixture. The team's hotel location was reportedly leaked, leading to a large gathering of fans attempting to give them a hostile reception. The hotel is currently being secured by 100 riot police and steel barriers.
This follows a similar incident before Mexico's tie with Ecuador, where Mexican fans used noise and fireworks in the early hours to disrupt their opponents' sleep, prompting a formal complaint.
Despite the pre-match disruptions and potential weather delays, England remains a favorite to advance from the match. The winner will proceed to face either Brazil or Norway in the quarter-finals.
