England's last 16 World Cup clash with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City faces potential disruption due to a forecast of thunderstorms, with an 80% chance of lightning strikes predicted for Sunday afternoon. The match is currently scheduled to kick off at 6pm local time (1am BST), but severe weather could force delays or even suspension if the game has already started.
Weather Threat Could Alter Match Timing
Sky Sports News presenter Kaveh Solhekol reported that media briefings indicate an 80% probability of thunderstorms. He explained that if storms and lightning occur, players would be led back to their dressing rooms, and fans would be asked to leave their seats and move to concourses for safety. The game would be held up until the threat passes.
Solhekol noted that similar weather delays occurred during matches in the United States last summer, with some games delayed by up to two and a half hours. He advised fans to prepare for the possibility that the match may not start at 1am BST and could last significantly longer due to extreme weather conditions in Mexico on Sunday evening.
Previous Consideration of Earlier Kick-Off
Earlier forecasts of storms had prompted discussions about moving the kick-off to an earlier time. Reports suggested a 12pm local time start (7pm BST on Sunday in the UK) was considered. However, the Football Association was reportedly stunned by the prospect of an earlier start, and Mexican officials also opposed the change. FIFA ultimately decided not to alter the timing.
Challenges Beyond Weather
England faces additional challenges beyond the weather. The Azteca Stadium sits at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, resulting in thinner air that reduces oxygen intake with each breath, making the match physically more demanding. The thinner air also affects the ball's trajectory, potentially causing shots to go off-target and passes to be over-hit.
Mexico, as co-hosts, has a formidable record at the Azteca, having lost only two of their 89 matches there, with the last defeat occurring in 2013. England will need to overcome these obstacles to advance in the World Cup.
