Mexican authorities have issued a thunderstorm warning for the late-night World Cup last-16 clash between England and the co-hosts, raising concerns about potential match suspensions. The National Meteorological Service forecasts an 80% chance of thunderstorms in the two hours leading up to the 6 p.m. Mexico City kickoff, with the risk dropping to 60% for the first half of the match. Rain showers are predicted for the subsequent two hours.
FIFA rules dictate that a match must be suspended if lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Play cannot resume until there have been no strikes for 30 minutes. In the event of lightning, players would be taken to the dressing room, and fans would be directed to concourses.
Any suspension would significantly impact England fans watching back home, where the match is scheduled to start at 1 a.m. local time. A delay could push the game's conclusion closer to 6 a.m., or even later, compounding the late finish expected if the match goes to extra time and penalties. Pubs have been granted special permission to remain open later, and schools are allowing later start times for students to accommodate the viewing schedule.
Match Scheduling Discussions
Concerns over the weather were a factor in discussions about potentially moving the kickoff time. However, the match is set to proceed at its original time. This decision followed a period of uncertainty where a move to a 7 p.m. kickoff was reportedly "all but done." This proposed change was influenced by pressure from the Mexican government, following the deaths of three fans in chaotic scenes after their last-32 victory, and the expected adverse weather, including flash flooding.
The proposals to alter the kickoff time were met with significant opposition from both the English and Mexican football associations. Reports indicate that the Football Association learned of the potential change through Mexican media, and the Mexican coach publicly criticized the idea. FIFA ultimately confirmed that the game would not be moved, with the final confirmation coming as the England team was en route from Kansas City to Mexico City.
This is not the first time this World Cup has seen weather-related delays. Two previous matches have been suspended due to thunderstorms: Mexico's 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.
Previous Weather-Related Delays
England has also experienced a delay due to thunderstorms. Their World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica in Florida last month was pushed back by an hour, requiring fans to move to safe areas. The English squad adjusted their travel plans to the stadium accordingly.
Despite the chaotic build-up and weather concerns, England remains favored to advance. The winner of this match will proceed to face either Brazil or Norway in the quarter-finals. A half-time performance by Mexican band Mana is still scheduled at the Azteca Stadium to mark the end of Mexico's hosting duties for the tournament.
England arrived in Mexico City on Friday ahead of Sunday's match. The team's preparations have also faced external disruptions, as the location of their team hotel was leaked, leading to a large gathering of fans attempting to give them a hostile reception. Riot police and steel barriers have been deployed to secure the hotel. This follows a tactic used by Mexican fans before their tie against Ecuador, where they used loud music, fireworks, and motorcycles in the early hours to disturb the opposing team's sleep, prompting a formal complaint from Ecuador.