England fans anticipating their team's World Cup clash against Mexico may face an all-night vigil due to a forecast of thunderstorms in Mexico City. The match, scheduled for a 6 p.m. local time kickoff at the Azteca Stadium, could be subject to delays under FIFA's regulations.
FIFA rules stipulate that a match must be suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Play cannot resume until 30 minutes have passed without any further lightning strikes in the vicinity. In such an event, players would be moved to the dressing rooms, and spectators would be advised to return to stadium concourses.
Forecasters have indicated that thunderstorms are "increasingly likely" in Mexico City during the afternoon and early evening, raising concerns about potential interruptions to the knockout stage game. Weather service Accuweather noted that lightning "occurring near the stadium before or during the match will be a possibility once again, which could potentially lead to delays of the match."
Any significant delay would extend the match well into the early morning hours for fans watching in the United Kingdom. With the game already expected to conclude near 4 a.m. GMT if it goes to extra time and penalties, suspensions could push the final whistle closer to 6 a.m. or even later.
England captain Harry Kane acknowledged the potential for late nights, stating, "We know how much the World Cup means to everyone and all the fans at home, so I’m hoping there will be a few all-nighters to be honest, just going all the way through and celebrating until the next day and then catch up on some sleep after that."
In anticipation of the late finish, pubs have received special permission from the government to extend their operating hours, and schools are allowing students to start later the following day. These arrangements were made in part due to the original 1 a.m. GMT kickoff time.
Earlier discussions had considered moving the match forward by six hours to a 7 p.m. local time start. According to sources familiar with the situation, this change was "all but done." The Mexican government reportedly put significant pressure on FIFA to alter the schedule following the deaths of three fans amidst chaotic scenes after their last-32 victory. Adverse weather, including concerns over flash flooding, was also a factor in these deliberations.
However, the proposed schedule change was met with strong opposition from both the English and Mexican football associations. The FA reportedly learned of the potential shift through Mexican media, and the Mexican coach publicly criticized the prospect. FIFA ultimately decided against moving the game, with the confirmation of no time change arriving while the England team was en route from Kansas City to Mexico City.
This is not the first time this World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has experienced weather-related delays. Two previous matches have been suspended due to thunderstorms: Mexico's last-32 match against Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium was halted for an hour, and France's group stage game against Iraq faced a delay exceeding two hours.
England arrived in Mexico City on Friday for Sunday's match. The team's hotel has been the subject of security concerns after its location was leaked, with hundreds of fans reportedly gathering to create a hostile reception. The hotel is being guarded by 100 riot police and protected by steel barriers. This follows a pattern seen before Mexico's match against Ecuador, where Mexican fans used noise-making devices and fireworks in the early hours in an attempt to disrupt their opponents' sleep, prompting a formal complaint from Ecuador.
Despite the chaotic build-up, England remains favored to advance. The winner of the match will proceed to face either Brazil or Norway in the quarter-finals.