What happens if England vs Mexico is delayed? World Cup weather protocol explained

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5 July 2026

Last-16 showdown at the Estadio Azteca could be under threat from thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain

The weather is once again a major topic of conversation as

England

prepare to face

Mexico

in the

World Cup 2026

round of 16 tonight.

The potential for more thunderstorms and heavy rain in Mexico City

has led to concerns over a possible delay to kick-off or even an in-game suspension at the Estadio Azteca.

Two matches have been impacted by the conditions at this tournament so far, with

France’s Group I meeting with Iraq in Philadelphia delayed at half-time for more than two hours

due to storms.

There was then an hour delay to kick-off in Mexico’s last-32 win over Ecuador at the Azteca on Tuesday for the same reason, with lightning in the Mexican capital.

Warm-up friendlies for the

World Cup

were also hit with weather delays,

including England vs Costa Rica in Orlando

and Saudi Arabia vs Puerto Rico in Austin.

For followers of last summer’s Club

in the United States, it will not be an unfamiliar phenomenon.

Several games were affected, including

Chelsea’s round-of-16 tie against Benfica that was paused four minutes from time and subject to a lengthy delay

after lightning was detected locally in Charlotte, North Carolina, eventually finishing four-and-a-half hours after it had kicked off.

FIFA does not have a severe weather policy of its own - it must adhere to regulations imposed by local authorities.

And those authorities in North America take a no-nonsense approach, particularly where lightning is concerned.

Any match at this

will be suspended if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium in question, and met with a delay of at least half an hour.

Lightning bolt:

vs Ecuador in the

round of 32 was delayed by an hour due to storms

Getty

All players, coaches and officials must leave the pitch, and all fans must leave the stands and find safe shelter.

The game may not start or resume until a full 30 minutes has passed with no lightning detected within that eight-mile radius, with the clock reset each time it is.

FIFA have no hard-and-fast cut-off point at which they would postpone a match.

Decisions as to when games will be formally called off are based primarily on the safety of players and supporters, plus if the pitch remains in a suitable condition.

If a match has to be postponed due to weather, it would, for logistical reasons, most likely be resumed the following day, picking up from the exact point at which it was stopped.

If a match was stopped with 65 minutes played, teams would return to complete the remaining 35.

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