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Mexico vs England kickoff delayed? Extreme weather engulfs host city, but Mexican fans remain unfazed; 'claxons horning'
A Mexico City resident told strong wind and rain continue, but the extreme weather has not dampened Mexican fans' excitement or support ahead of England clash.
Mexico City is buzzing with excitement as El Tri prepare for one of their biggest tests of the tournament, taking on England in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at Estadio Azteca.
The match kickoff is scheduled at 8pm ET and 6m local time. However, one recurring concern that has affected several matches during this World Cup has once again emerged: the weather.
Downpour drenches Mexico City
Heavy rain has been falling across the Mexican capital on Sunday, raising concerns over conditions ahead of kickoff.
Torrential weather conditions at Estadio Azteca have forced officials to activate a shelter-in-place order only hours before the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 meeting between Mexico and England.
The precaution was announced about three hours before kickoff, with supporters moving under the stadium's covered sections, while security personnel and event staff scrambled to find protection beneath tents, gazebos, and other available shelters.
Marco Diaz, an engineer based in Mexico City, explained about the challenging weather conditions affecting the host city on Sunday.
“The weather in here is so extreme. There’s been so much wind and rain,” the Mexico City resident told Hindustan Times.
Kickoff delayed by an hour
The severe weather has prompted tournament organizers to postpone kickoff by one hour as safety concerns intensified around the stadium.
FIFA confirmed the decision in an update posted on X, stating:
"KICK-OFF UPDATE
Due to adverse weather conditions in Mexico City, including risk caused by lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England has been delayed to 19.00 local time (21:00 EDT).
The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA’s priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation."
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It is not the first time severe weather has disrupted World Cup action in Mexico City.
During Mexico's Round of 32 meeting with Ecuador last week, kickoff was postponed by nearly an hour after severe thunderstorms swept across the area.
What does FIFA weather protocal say
Under FIFA regulations, rain by itself is not enough to postpone or suspend a match.
Games are only delayed, halted, or rescheduled if weather conditions pose a safety risk to players, officials, or spectators, or if the playing surface becomes unfit for competition.
One of the clearest triggers is lightning. If lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius of the stadium, play is immediately stopped and an automatic 30-minute delay is enforced.
El Tri fever remains unbothered
Nevertheless, the enthusiasm among Mexican supporters has shown no signs of fading.
Diaz described the electric atmosphere across the city and said “Everyone in the streets have Mexican flags, t shirts, and claxons horning… we have the illusion to make history.”
The 35-year-old also pointed to a phrase that has gone viral across Mexican social media in recent days.
“There’s a phrase on social media, everyone is talking about it, the phrase is: Y si si? That phrase is something like: If we do win the cup ?,” he explained.
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He added that a World Cup triumph would spark celebrations unlike anything the country has seen.
“If Mexico wins the whole country will be at party mode,” Diaz concluded, adding that he would gladly join the celebrations if El Tri secure a place in the quarterfinals.
