England fans could be in for an even later night than first thought, as storms threaten their World Cup game.

23:33, Sun, Jul 5, 2026 Updated: 23:33, Sun, Jul 5, 2026

MEXICO-WEATHER-RAIN

Lightning over Mexico (Image: Getty)

A huge thunderstorm has hit Estadio Azteca - or Mexico City Stadium - with pitch access banned due to wild electrical storms in the area as fears grow that the match may be postponed.

Thunder, lightning, and heavy rain have begun to pelt down at and around the iconic venue, where England are set to face-off against Mexico in less than three and a half hours.

The stadium is currently under electrical storm protocols, which means no one is permitted access to the pitch at this time for safety reasons. The protocol will remain in place until the weather improves.

Players are due to arrive around at the stadium about 90 minutes prior to kick-off.

58 seconds ago23:33 Rachel VickersPrice

Shelter-in-place order threatens Mexico-England World Cup showdown clash

The knockout clash is still due to begin at 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST on Monday), despite heavy rain sweeping across the city and reports of lightning in the area surrounding the stadium.

FIFA had earlier considered moving the fixture to 7pm BST (12pm local time) and held discussions with both the English and Mexican football associations on Friday. However, the governing body later abandoned the proposal, leaving the original kick-off time unchanged.

As things stand, the match remains on schedule. However, any lightning detected close to the stadium shortly before kick-off would force a delay under established safety protocols.

Read more: Shelter-in-place order threatens Mexico-England World Cup showdown clash

Downpour at Azteca continues

More footage has surfaced online of the torrential rain currently pelting down in Mexico City.

Footage of heavy rain near stadium surfaces on social media

Storm protocols are in action at the Azteca Stadium due to lightning ahead England's game against Mexico. Clips of heavy rain and thunder are making their way online, such as this clip that shows the surrounding neighbourhood being pelted by quite the deluge. 

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ICYMI: Rain, electrical storms lash Estadio Azteca

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 despite storm forecasts prompting discussions over bringing the game forward.

England’s game is kicking off in the early hours of Monday morning UK time after governing body Fifa opted not to go ahead with a proposal to move the game forward six hours to avoid disruption from forecast thunderstorms in Mexico City.

It comes as Mexico’s weather service said there is an 80% chance of thunderstorms at 5pm local time (12am BST), and a 60% chance at 6pm (1am BST).

At about 2.30pm (9.30pm BST), heavy rain and thunderstorms greeted England and Mexico fans outside the Estadio Azteca ahead of their crunch World Cup knockout game.

Mexico's last match marred by similar wet weather woes

Mexico’s last-32 match with Ecuador on Wednesday was delayed by an hour after thunderstorms struck ahead of kick-off.

The possible weather is another thing for England to deal with ahead of a crunch match, where they have to battle Mexico’s home advantage and the altitude.

The storm has at least cooled the air down, with temperatures at 20 degrees.

England v Mexico kick-off may face delay

Bad weather is forecast for the 6pm (1am UK) kick-off time, but the electrical storms arrived shortly before 3pm local time.

There are conflicting reports on whether or not the game may be delayed as a result of the wild weather. Some sources say game officals are open to a delayed kick-off time, with that call coming at around half an hour before kick-off, or 5.30pm local time (12.30am BST).

As per PA, however, “there are currently no suggestions the kick-off will be delayed although play cannot begin until 30 minutes has passed since lightning was detected within an eight-mile radius” of the stadium.