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[SPORTS] · Mexico, United Kingdom · 100 sources

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Mexico-England World Cup round of 16 postponed by thunderstorm

The 2026 FIFA World Cup round‑of‑16 match between Mexico and England at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was delayed by severe thunderstorms. The original kickoff was set for 18:00 local time (02:00 UK, 21:00 ET), but FIFA activated its lightning‑storm protocol and moved the start to 19:00 local time.

FIFA stated that safety of players, officials and spectators was the priority. Fans were asked to remain in the stadium, journalists stayed in the media centre, and the teams’ arrivals were postponed until the storm passed. Earlier talks about moving the match to midday were rejected after interventions by the English Football Association and the British government.

The delay added roughly one hour to the schedule, with the match eventually beginning at 19:00 local (20:00 CST, 07:00 WIB). Broadcast plans remained unchanged, with coverage on FOX, Telemundo and other partners.

Sources