Thunderstorms have hit Mexico City three-and-a-half hours before England’s World Cup clash against Mexico, which is set to kick off at 1am UK time. The governing body Fifa opted not to go ahead with a proposal to move the game forward six hours to avoid disruption from forecast thunderstorms.
Weather Forecast and Stadium Preparations
Mexico’s weather service reported an 80% chance of thunderstorms at 5pm local time (12am BST) and a 60% chance at 6pm (1am BST). At about 2.30pm local time (9.30pm BST), heavy rain and thunderstorms greeted fans outside the Estadio Azteca. Big screens inside the stadium displayed warnings of an approaching electrical storm, advising fans to remain in their seats. Play cannot begin until 30 minutes have passed since lightning was detected within an eight-mile radius.
Mexico’s last-32 match with Ecuador on Wednesday was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms before kick-off.
England's Chances and Fan Reactions
England fans expressed cautious optimism. Barnaby Shepherd, 58, from Cambridge but now living in Los Angeles, told the Press Association: “I think they’ll play slow for the first part because of the altitude and I think they’ll pass it a bit. If they can pass and conserve their energy and nick a goal… I told the Mexican waiter last night it’s going to be 1-1 and it will go to penalties and we’ll nick it on penalties.” He added: “I think we can win penalty shootouts now – we’ve crossed a bridge there.”
Kyle Thomas, 35, from Bristol, predicted a tight game: “It’ll be a tight game – first 20 minutes, if we can keep it tight because they are going to come at us really quickly… but after 20 minutes I think we’ll be all right. 1-0 potentially – it’s going to be tight.” His friend Jack Knight, 34, also from Bristol, said: “I think we’re at a disadvantage. They obviously played here last week, they haven’t conceded, they’ve won all their games. Hopefully we do well but we’ve just got to show up.”
Prime Minister's Support and Altitude Concerns
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who announced pubs could stay open until 5am to show the match, said: “Mexico are a tough side to beat but we have a squad that knows what it takes to win. After the false hope of an earlier night, I know fans across the country will be staying up late to get behind the England team. Come on England!”
Co-hosts Mexico have lost only two of their 89 competitive games at the Estadio Azteca, which lies more than 2,200 metres above sea level. Steve Hartshorne, 70, from Walsall, noted: “The altitude could be a massive factor.”
