Need to knowEngland face Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, but one thing that threatens the clash is inclement weather down in Mexico City23:30, 05 Jul 2026Updated 23:30, 05 Jul 2026A storm has hit the Azteca Stadium(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)All you need to know about England and Mexico's kick-off time in the World Cup round of 16England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico is facing significant disruption due to severe weather. The scheduled 1am kick-off time could be delayed as a major storm hits the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.Torrential rain, thunder, and lightning swept across the city approximately three hours before the scheduled start. This severe weather triggered the venue's electrical storm safety protocol.Under these strict safety rules, nobody is currently permitted onto the playing surface. Media representatives have been instructed to remain inside the stadium's media centre until conditions improve.Supporters have also been prevented from entering the stadium entirely. This restriction remains in place despite the gates being scheduled to open three hours before kick-off.Players were expected to arrive at the stadium roughly 90 minutes before the match was due to start, but their arrivals were delayed. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as the thunder has been described by those inside as deafening. The England bus has now arrived slightly delayed.No official decision on a potential delay will be made until approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled kick-off. Officials want to assess the weather conditions as close to the start time as possible.If conditions remain unsafe, the match will initially be delayed by 30 minutes before being reassessed. Further rolling 30-minute delays will be implemented until it is deemed safe to play.BBC meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker confirmed that thunderstorms and shower clouds have been developing around Mexico City. He warned that these storms are likely to linger for several hours and threaten further disruption.This severe weather follows a similar incident during Mexico's round-of-32 victory over Ecuador at the same stadium. During that previous fixture, the kick-off had to be delayed by an hour due to storms.Discussions had taken place earlier in the week about bringing the fixture forward to midday local time due to the poor forecast. However, both the English and Mexican football authorities opposed the proposal.The Football Association resisted the early kick-off proposal because of the disruption it would have caused to travelling England supporters. The Mexican Football Federation also opposed the change, leading FIFA to stick to the original time.Concerns regarding the timing also extended to security following a tragic crowd crush after Mexico's win against Ecuador, which resulted in four deaths. Senior officials had approached FIFA to alter the kick-off time to mitigate the risk of a repeat of those scenes.READ MORE: Mexico vs England LIVE: Fears of kick-off delay grow, team news LEAKED, World Cup rules broken