FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico vs England Match Delayed Due to Severe Weather

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England faced a one-hour delay due to severe weather conditions, including lightning and heavy rain. Originally scheduled for 6 p.m. local time, the match was postponed to 7 p.m. local time to ensure the safety of all attendees. This decision followed earlier discussions about moving the match to an earlier time to avoid storms. The starting lineups for both teams were also announced, with England making several changes to their lineup. Read on for more details about this weather-related disruption.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2026, 05:34 IST

Match Postponement Due to Weather Conditions

Mexico City [Mexico], July 6: The Round of 16 match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Mexico and England faced a one-hour delay on Sunday due to extreme weather conditions, including lightning, heavy rainfall, and hail, affecting the vicinity of the Azteca Stadium, as reported by a leading sports network.

FIFA announced that the match, which was initially set to kick off at 6 p.m. local time, would now commence at 7 p.m. local time (9 p.m. EDT) after storm safety protocols were put into effect.

In a statement, FIFA emphasized, “Due to the adverse weather in Mexico City, particularly the lightning risk near the stadium, the kick-off for the World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Mexico and England has been postponed to 7 p.m. local time (9 p.m. EDT). The safety of everyone involved is our top priority. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all fans.”

As reported, a shelter-in-place order was issued about an hour prior to the scheduled start, instructing spectators, media, and stadium personnel to stay sheltered as thunder rumbled and lightning illuminated the sky.

This disruption followed earlier discussions about potentially moving the match to an earlier time to avoid predicted storms. At one point, a noon kickoff was considered, but FIFA decided to stick with the original evening schedule until the weather necessitated the delay.

Starting Lineups:

England: Jordan Pickford, Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane.

Mexico: Raul Rangel, Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado.

England's coach Tuchel made three adjustments to the lineup, bringing Jarell Quansah in for Djed Spence at right back, while Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon returned to the starting eleven. Aguirre, on the other hand, maintained the same Mexican squad that triumphed over Ecuador in the previous round.

According to FIFA regulations, a match cannot commence or continue if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Play can only resume after a 30-minute period without any lightning, with each new strike resetting the countdown.