The wait for the highly anticipated match between Mexico and England will be a little longer. FIFA confirmed that the Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup will begin one hour later than scheduled due to weather conditions in Mexico City.
The event, originally scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (local time), will finally begin at 7:00 p.m., after a severe storm accompanied by lightning forced the activation of the safety protocols established for such situations.
The Mexico vs. England game has been postponed
⚠️ Due to weather conditions, the start of the match between the Mexican National Team and England has been delayed.
6:05 p.m. Warm-up begins
7:00 p.m. Game starts
We’re still in this together, die-hard fans! 💚🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/EalnGI0MM1
— National Team (@miseleccionmx) July 5, 2026
Heavy rain began to fall in the afternoon in the area surrounding the Mexico City Stadium, known worldwide as the Azteca Stadium.
In addition to the rain, there were lightning strikes that made it impossible to ensure the safety of the players, the referees, stadium staff, and thousands of fans who were already inside the stadium.
Despite the delay, the World Cup atmosphere never faded.
About 75,000 fans were already in the stands when the video scoreboards announced that the start of the game would be postponed.
For a few moments, uncertainty gripped the stadium, but the Mexican fans quickly resumed their chants, cheers, and music, turning the venue into a true celebration.
The traditional chants of “¡México, México!” rang out once again as the crowd waited for official permission for the ball to start rolling.
The authorities explained that the delay was due to FIFA’s safety protocol, which stipulates that a match must be temporarily postponed when there is electrical activity within a certain radius of the stadium.
The measure aims to protect both the players and the thousands of spectators in the stands.
Although the storm lost intensity as the minutes passed, weather forecasts warned that more rain might fall overnight, which is why the organizers decided to delay the opening whistle.
Among the most anticipated games
The #Lineup is set! ⚔️
More than just eleven—it will be an entire country beating with one heart and for the same cause.
The time is now! 🇲🇽#SomosMéxico pic.twitter.com/BzNb6wEWUT
— National Team (@miseleccionmx) July 5, 2026
The match is one of the most anticipated matchups of the round of 16.
Mexico heads into the match undefeated after an outstanding performance in the tournament, while England is considered one of the favorites to win the World Cup.
In addition to advancing to the quarterfinals, the winner will face Norway, which just hours earlier pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by eliminating Brazil thanks to a two-goal performance by Erling Haaland.
The match also marks a historic moment for Mexican soccer.
This will be the last match Mexico will host during this World Cup, after hosting 13 matches spread across Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
With thousands of fans dressed in green and anticipation at its peak, only the weather managed to delay what promises to be an unforgettable night for Mexican soccer.
Filed under: Mexico vs. England Match Postponed
