Mexico v England LIVE: Kick-off delayed by ‘severe weather’ around World Cup last-16 clash

Mexico v England has been delayed by at least one hour due to lightning in the area as Fifa’s World Cup 2026 weather protocol was actioned.

After heavy rain in the build-up to the game in Mexico City, the kick-off was pushed back by at least an hour after more “severe weather” in the vicinity of the stadium.

This sparks a countdown of 30 minutes, which resets every time another lightning strike happens. Once that timer, the players return to the pitch for a 15-minute warm-up.

Taylor Jones, 25, and Amy Knight, 26, said they had no doubt England would get the job done and backed Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane to get on the scoresheet.Much has been made of how England will cope with the altitude at Mexico City’s Azteca.

“The breathing thing is a problem,” Ms Jones admitted. “But I think we’ll get through it.”And though both of them are expected in the office tomorrow, they said they think they’ll get by on just a couple of hours of sleep.

“Due to adverse weather conditions in Mexico City, including risk caused by lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Mexico and England has been delayed to 19.00 local time (02:00 BST). The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA’s priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation.”

“So far so good, I’ve not really felt it,” he says.

“Slept well both nights. We’ll see if as the game progresses it has an impact. It’s not an excuse, we’ll still back ourselves.

“We have to go and prove that. Similar to how we want to play, front foot, be on the ball creating chances, attacking, maybe a bit different due to the altitude. First 10 minutes to be calm, we can quieten the crowd.”

The last-16 tie was due to kick-off at 6pm local time (1am BST) in Mexico City but with both teams’ arrival at the stadium delayed due to severe weather, Fifa have confirmed that the match will not start on time.

A new kick-off time is set for 02:00 BST (7pm local time), though that could be pushed back even further if lightning remains in the vicinity of the stadium.

“This is as big as it gets, in a World Cup situation, a massive game, against a tough opponent. We’re ready,” Kane tells BBC Sport.

“We can’t wait to get out there. It’s been a good [reaction to us], they’re excited for the game, it’s not been hostile at all, a great occasion. They’re excited for it.”

And who could have predicted!

The match will now begin at 2am BST – we hope. It may be delayed further depending on how quickly the storm passes.

Gary Neville on USA’s Balogun having his ban suspended: “It’s an absolute mess, all the right ingredients are there to be pursued.

“Maybe the USA withdraw Balogun, take him out of it, they don’t want an asterisk by their name. Maybe the US Soccer Association don’t want to be part of this? They might say, ‘why don’t we leave him out, do the right thing.”

But Ian Wright notes the risk of embarrassing President Donald Trump: “I don’t know if they have the balls to do that. They can’t embarrass him.”