Mexico, one of the three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is set to face Ecuador in a Round of 32 clash on Tuesday evening at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.Adverse weather could impact the highly anticipated Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. (REUTERS)The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. ET, which corresponds to 6 p.m. local time in the Mexican capital. However, weather concerns have once again emerged ahead of a World Cup fixture.Heavy rain has already posed a threat to past matches during the tournament, and fans are now questioning whether similar conditions could impact the highly anticipated showdown between Mexico and Ecuador.Mexico City wakes to rainRain returned to Mexico City early Tuesday morning, June 30, raising concerns about the possibility of delays or even a suspension.The day began with steady rainfall across the city, although conditions gradually improved as the morning progressed, with clouds beginning to clear and sunshine breaking through.Safety determines match suspensionDespite the uncertainty, FIFA regulations do not require a match to be suspended simply because of rain. A game is only delayed, interrupted, or rescheduled when weather conditions pose a threat to the safety of players, spectators, or event staff, or when the playing surface is deemed unfit for competition.Situations that could force officials to halt play include lightning, severe thunderstorms, major flooding on the pitch, or dangerous conditions around the stadium that affect access and security.Also read: Brazil's great escape, Germany's fall and the Dutch collapse prove FIFA World Cup 2026 has no untouchable giantsAs long as the rain does not significantly impact safety or field conditions, the match is expected to proceed as scheduled.Hail and storms possibleAccording to a forecast issued by the Secretariat of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC), Mexico City is expected to experience a high of 24°C on Tuesday, with mostly cloudy skies, warm conditions, and a strong likelihood of rain throughout much of the day.The agency warned that periods of heavy rainfall, scattered showers, thunderstorms, and possible hail could affect the capital on June 30.By the evening, when Mexico and Ecuador are scheduled to face off, temperatures are expected to drop to around 18°C.Unsettled conditions through matchtimeThe National Meteorological Service has also projected unsettled weather across the Valley of Mexico, forecasting cloudy conditions along with heavy rain in both Mexico City and the State of Mexico. The forecast includes the possibility of lightning activity and hailstorms during the day.Also read: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's brutal verdict on Germany's World Cup collapse after defeat on penalties: ‘Hero or zero’While SGIRPC indicated that precipitation could ease temporarily around midday, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate again later in the afternoon.Rain is forecast to return around 3 p.m. local time and persist into the evening hours, coinciding with the arrival of thousands of fans for Mexico’s World Cup knockout-round match.