Intense weather conditions at the Azteca Stadium today means England’s World Cup clash with Mexico is expected to be delayed.
The venue, which sits at an altitude 2,240m (7,220 feet), has been hit by thunderstorms, and all the latest advice and signage around the ground points to a late start.
As journalist Tyrone Francis showed on X: “Yellow signage at the Azteca reads “Thunderstorm protocol activated” as heavy rain, lightning and thunder threaten to delay kick off between England & Mexico in the Round of 16.
“Currently scheduled for 1800 local time (Mon 0100UK). Media asked to stay within the media centre.”
FIFA’s protocol is that if there is lightning within an eight-mile radius of the stadium when doors are due to open, fans and players will not be permitted to enter the stadium.
If a storm begins when everybody is already inside or while the game is on, then play will be stopped and will not be able to proceed until there have been 30 minutes without a lightning strike within that eight-mile limit.
Every new strike resets the 30 minute timer.
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