Mexico’s round of 16 match versus England, originally scheduled for 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, July 5, has been moved to noon due to thunderstorm warnings, according to reports from TUDN and Claro Sports.
Sunday’s match was set to kick off at 1 a.m. local time in England, but will now kick off at 7 p.m.
There is currently a 95% chance of thunderstorms in Mexico City on Sunday, according to The Weather Channel. Rain is most common in Mexico City from 4-8 p.m., but is less common in the early afternoon. The Weather Channel currently predicts a 33% chance of isolated thunderstorms at noon on Sunday with temperatures around 21 C (70 F). Lightning strikes detected within 8 miles of Mexico City Stadium will result in an automatic 30 minute delay.
Mexico’s round of 32 bout against Ecuador, scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Tuesday, was delayed one hour after an electrical storm in Mexico City.
Sunday will mark Mexico’s first round of 16 game since the 2018 World Cup, where it lost 2-0 to Brazil. Mexico has not advanced to the quarterfinals since they last hosted in 1986, which ties its best-ever result. El Tri’s 2-0 triumph over Ecuador was their first knockout stage win in 40 years.
Mexico and England have met nine times, with the Three Lions, as England’s team is known, holding the series lead with six wins, two losses and one draw. England advanced to the round of 16 after a comeback win over Congo on Wednesday, 2-1. They reached the quarterfinals in the 2022 World Cup and the semifinals in 2018.
Before the schedule change, the English government announced that the country’s pubs made the announcement would stay open to 5 a.m. so spectators could enjoy the match.
FIFA has yet to confirm a schedule change.
With reports from BBC
