FIFA will meet with local organisers in Mexico City on Saturday morning local time to further discuss the possibility of disruptions to England’s last-16 clash against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, as fears remain about predicted thunderstorms in the area.
Official tournament weather reports specifically for the Azteca Stadium, produced for FIFA’s planning purposes suggest there is still a 90 per cent risk of lightning storms at the stadium around kick-off. The reports say to expect “lightning activity which may temporarily affect outdoor operations”, and that match officials should “maintain readiness for lightning safety procedures.” It describes the risk of disruption as “medium-high”.
Those weather reports will be updated early on Saturday, so that organisers have the most up-to-date information.
Urgent meetings were held with both the English and Mexican FA’s late on Friday, where the possibility of bringing forward the kick-off time by six hours was discussed because of the storm risk and fears of extensive flooding. Sources then made it clear that no decision had ever been taken to reschedule the kick-off, but that FIFA will continue to monitor the situation, and especially the weather reports.
As things stand, the game will go ahead at 1am UK time on Monday. But the situation is being closely monitored, and is subject to change, depending on weather reports closer to kick-off.
FIFA rules say that any lightning within a six-mile radius of the stadium will lead to an immediate postponement for the safety of players and spectators – whether or not the game has started. Only once there is a 30-minute clear window with no lightning will a match be allowed to go ahead.
England’s final warm-up game before the tournament, against Costa Rica in Orlando, was delayed by one hour because of lightning storms and flooding to the pitch and service roads around the stadium.
