TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - England's 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico was delayed by one hour on Sunday because of severe weather, with heavy rain, hail, thunder, and lightning forcing FIFA to postpone kick-off at the Azteca Stadium.
FIFA announced that the match would now begin at 7 p.m. local time (02:00 BST on Monday) after adverse weather, including lightning near the stadium, triggered safety protocols.
Yellow warning banners were displayed around the stadium, while a shelter-in-place order was issued about an hour before the originally scheduled 6 p.m. local kick-off. Fans already inside the venue reacted with loud boos after organizers confirmed the match would be delayed by an hour.
Media and spectators were instructed to remain under cover as rain and hail battered the stadium, while security personnel and staff sought shelter until conditions improved.
As reported by ESPN, FIFA said the postponement was made because of "adverse weather conditions in Mexico City, including risk caused by lightning in the vicinity of the stadium."
"The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA's priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation," the governing body said in a statement.
Under FIFA's severe weather protocol, a match cannot begin or resume until at least 30 minutes have passed without a lightning strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Each new lightning strike resets the 30-minute countdown.
The delay came after uncertainty over the fixture's kick-off time earlier in the week. FIFA had considered moving the match forward to 12 p.m. local time to avoid forecast storms before ultimately deciding to keep the original evening schedule.
The proposal drew criticism from both the English and Mexican football associations.
According to BBC Sport, discussions focused on the potential impact an earlier kick-off would have on player preparation, supporter travel, and the logistical challenges of rescheduling one of the tournament's biggest knockout matches. FIFA later reversed the proposal and retained the original start time before severe weather eventually forced Sunday's delay.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre publicly opposed the idea of bringing the game forward, calling the proposed schedule change "a kick in the gut" and saying he "didn't like it at all."
England manager Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, insisted his squad remained focused despite the uncertainty surrounding the fixture.
"It is so much noise. When you are inside of the bubble, it is actually quite calm, quite focused," Tuchel said.
"We cannot influence it. Altitude: it is what it is. Home crowd: it is what it is. It is not in our favour."
The German coach also highlighted the challenge posed by Mexico City's high altitude, saying England had insufficient time to adapt physically before the knockout clash.
"The altitude will be, of course, a big disadvantage, because we cannot physically adapt to it in four days," Tuchel said.
"But we are ready for that. We need to overcome obstacles, but we have the spirit, we have the commitment, the pure will and the glue between the team to overcome these things."
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