A Mexico City resident told strong wind and rain continue, but the extreme weather has not dampened Mexican fans' excitement or support ahead of England clash. Mexico City is buzzing with excitement as El Tri prepare for one of their biggest tests of the tournament, taking on England in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at Estadio Azteca.Heavy rain has been falling across the Mexican capital on Sunday, raising concerns over conditions ahead of Mexico vs England kickoff. (REUTERS)The match kickoff is scheduled at 8pm ET and 6m local time. However, one recurring concern that has affected several matches during this World Cup has once again emerged: the weather.Downpour drenches Mexico CityHeavy rain has been falling across the Mexican capital on Sunday, raising concerns over conditions ahead of kickoff.Torrential weather conditions at Estadio Azteca have forced officials to activate a shelter-in-place order only hours before the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 meeting between Mexico and England.The precaution was announced about three hours before kickoff, with supporters moving under the stadium's covered sections, while security personnel and event staff scrambled to find protection beneath tents, gazebos, and other available shelters.Mexico City shrouded in dark clouds amidst continuous rain ahead of Round of 16 clash vs England. (HT)Marco Diaz, an engineer based in Mexico City, explained about the challenging weather conditions affecting the host city on Sunday.“The weather in here is so extreme. There’s been so much wind and rain,” the Mexico City resident told Hindustan Times.No delay announced yetDespite the adverse conditions, tournament organizers have not announced any official delay, and the Round of 16 fixture is still scheduled to kick off at its planned time. Officials, however, continue to closely assess the weather.Also read: Balogun’s red card: Trump's role confirmed as FIFA lifts one-match ban after Gianni Infantino callIt is not the first time severe weather has disrupted World Cup action in Mexico City.During Mexico's Round of 32 meeting with Ecuador last week, kickoff was postponed by nearly an hour after severe thunderstorms swept across the area.What does FIFA weather protocal sayUnder FIFA regulations, rain by itself is not enough to postpone or suspend a match.Games are only delayed, halted, or rescheduled if weather conditions pose a safety risk to players, officials, or spectators, or if the playing surface becomes unfit for competition.One of the clearest triggers is lightning. If lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius of the stadium, play is immediately stopped and an automatic 30-minute delay is enforced.El Tri fever remains unbotheredNevertheless, the enthusiasm among Mexican supporters has shown no signs of fading.Diaz described the electric atmosphere across the city and said “Everyone in the streets have Mexican flags, t shirts, and claxons horning… we have the illusion to make history.”The 35-year-old also pointed to a phrase that has gone viral across Mexican social media in recent days.“There’s a phrase on social media, everyone is talking about it, the phrase is: Y si si? That phrase is something like: If we do win the cup ?,” he explained.Also read: Haaland brace knocks Brazil out as Norway storm into FIFA World Cup quarterfinalsHe added that a World Cup triumph would spark celebrations unlike anything the country has seen.“If Mexico wins the whole country will be at party mode,” Diaz concluded, adding that he would gladly join the celebrations if El Tri secure a place in the quarterfinals.Ojas Jaiswal is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, currently working with the US Desk, where he covers a wide spectrum of American sports and global news developments. From high-intensity NFL moments on the field to the latest off-court NBA storylines, he specializes in delivering engaging, audience-driven stories that blend factual accuracy with compelling narratives.