Why was the Mexico-England match in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 postponed?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Mexico and England on Sunday was postponed by an hour due to unfavorable weather conditions in Mexico City.

The match’s initial kick-off was 6:00 PM local time and was moved forward by an hour.

There were forecasts of thunderstorms on Sunday and people working at Azteca Stadium were asked to take shelter shortly before the match due to a threatening storm.

Reports claimed that both teams had been advised not to travel to the stadium due to lightning strikes near the stadium. However, the England team arrived at the stadium more than an hour before kick-off.

Before the game can begin, the storm must pass and there must be no reports of lightning within an eight-mile radius for at least 30 minutes before the start of the game.

Published on July 6, 2026