The Mexico–England clash in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 has been delayed due to severe weather conditions. The updated start time is set for 9:00 PM (ET), forcing fans (who won’t see veteran goalkeeper Memo Ochoa starting for Mexico) to wait a bit longer for kickoff.
Playing in Mexico City presents distinct atmospheric challenges for England, combining high altitude with the region’s intense rainy season. According to The Weather Channel, the kickoff temperature hovering around 64°F, dropping slightly as the evening progresses.
Under these conditions, severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and lightning are surrounding the scene. Meteorologists already tracked a 70% to 96% chance of precipitation alongside heavy cloud cover throughout the match window.
Mexico vs. England delayed
The US broadcast details to watch Mexico vs England are set but the game will start later than originally scheduled. FIFA operates under a strict adverse weather protocol, anticipating that severe rain and electric storms could disrupt tournament play. This blueprint was codified following the 2025 Club World Cup, which saw multiple fixtures delayed due to severe weather.
Mexico have already navigated a weather delay in 2026
This isn’t El Tri’s first encounter with Mother Nature in this tournament. Severe weather previously forced a one-hour kickoff delay for Mexico’s high-stakes Round of 32 clash against Ecuador after stadium conditions were deemed unplayable at the original time.
With the delay tonight, Mexico becomes the only team in this World Cup to have multiple knockout-stage matches disrupted by weather, with the matchup against England also delayed.
