The England vs Mexico Round of 16 match, originally scheduled for 1:00 AM BST on Monday, July 6, has been officially delayed by one hour due to an electrical storm over the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Fans already seated were ordered to remain in place as the pitch was temporarily closed as a precaution. The new kick-off is set for 2:00 AM BST (7:00 PM local time), but the risk of further delays remains real.
Weather forecast: 63% thunderstorm probability and lightning risk
According to updated forecasts, the area around the Azteca had a 63% chance of thunderstorms during the match window. It is not the rain that worries organizers, but lightning. In the hours before kick-off, an electrical storm forced the temporary closure of the playing field. Live cameras showed gray skies and heavy rain, with many spectators forced to wear ponchos. Alan Shearer, BBC pundit, reported that it had been pouring for two or three hours, heightening concerns over further interruptions.
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FIFA protocols: a lightning strike within 8 miles and the match stops
FIFA safety protocols mandate that if lightning is detected within 8 miles of the stadium, the game must be suspended for a minimum of 30 minutes. This very rule caused the initial one-hour delay. It is not an isolated incident in this World Cup: Mexico's Round of 32 match against Ecuador was also delayed by an hour due to similar storms. The giant screens at the Azteca activated a 'shelter indoors' alert two hours before the original kick-off, indicating the situation was being closely monitored.
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How to watch England vs Mexico on TV and streaming
Despite the delay, the match remains available on BBC One starting at midnight for pre-match coverage. The actual kick-off, now at 2:00 AM BST, can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and heard on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. For those unable to stay awake, a spoiler-free replay airs at 7:10 AM on BBC Two. For more World Cup coverage, check out our article on Brazil vs Norway. Read our Brazil-Norway article here. For details on the Azteca Stadium, visit the Wikipedia page.
