One of the most anticipated matchups of the World Cup knockout round will have to wait, for now. The Round of 16 match between Mexico and England has been delayed due to inclement weather in Mexico City.
The match was supposed to kick off at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time) at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, but has now been reportedly pushed back one hour to 9 p.m. ET.
Fans in the stadium were told to shelter in place about three hours before kickoff due to an approaching thunderstorm.
With two hours to go before the game, England and Mexico’s teams were told to not travel to the stadium because of the lightning risk, via Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports. England, though, ignored that advice and made its way to the stadium, where it was greeted by Mexican fans.
Sunday evening’s storm was a known concern ahead of the matchup: On Friday, FIFA reportedly considered moving the game up by several hours to avoid the storm, with a proposed start time of noon local time. The suggestion received pushback from Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre on Friday.
“It’s a kick in the stomach. This changes everything,” Aguirre said, via The Independent’s Miguel Delaney. “They informed me about it here, I don’t agree, FIFA calls the shots and we have to swallow garlic and water (grin and bear it).
“Now we have to change our plans, nobody consulted me. Neither I nor my players like this change. I’m pissed off.”
Eventually, FIFA decided to keep kickoff as is. But the game is now facing potentially lengthy delays as a result of the weather.
This story will be updated.
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