Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEstadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - July 5, 2026 A Mexico fan covers herself from the rain outside the stadium before the match (Reuters)A shelter-in-place order was issued for the Mexico v England World Cup last-16 match at Azteca Stadium due to thunderstorms in the area. During the alert, people on the pitch moved to tunnels, stadium screens warned of severe weather, and fans sought refuge as displays advised them to take their seats. World Cup matches are subject to local lightning safety rules, which mandate the suspension of play if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Play can only resume after a 30-minute clear period without further lightning strikes, with any new strike resetting this countdown. FIFA considered bringing the match forward but ultimately maintained the original kickoff time, despite concerns and a previous match involving Mexico being delayed due to rain. In fullMexico v England LIVE: Tuchel makes three major changes for World Cup last 16 tie as ‘severe weather’ approaches World Cup last 16 tieMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Mexico v England: What is the lightning safety rule for the World Cup?
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEstadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - July 5, 2026 A Mexico fan covers herself from the rain outside the stadium before the match (Reuters)A shelter-in-place order was issued for the Mexico v England World Cup last-16 match at Azteca Stadium due to thunderstorms in the area. During the alert, people on the pitch moved to tunnels, stadium screens warned of severe weather, and fans sought refuge as displays advised them to take their seats. World Cup matches are subject to local lightning safety rules, which mandate the suspension of play if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Play can only resume after a 30-minute clear period without further lightning strikes, with any new strike resetting this countdown. FIFA considered bringing the match forward but ultimately maintained the original kickoff time, despite concerns and a previous match involving Mexico being delayed due to rain. In fullMexico v England LIVE: Tuchel makes three major changes for World Cup last 16 tie as ‘severe weather’ approaches World Cup last 16 tieMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
