Mexico vs. England World Cup Round Of 16: Weather Update, Forecast

The stars aren't the only thing to keep an eye on in the highly anticipated clash between Mexico and England in Mexico City for the World Cup's round of 16. The weather report isn't far behind. As is the case in Mexico City during the summer months, thunderstorms are always possible. And as both teams prepare to square off on Sunday, July 5 at 8 p.m. ET for a chance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals, the forecast could change on a dime. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and the rest of the Three Lions' squad are looking to upend the homefield advantage that Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones, and El Tri will have in front of more than 87,000 fans at an altitude of 7,200-plus feet. Whether there's a "Hand of God" moment waiting in the wings depends first on when the game will be played. Currently, the game is still scheduled to get rolling with no delays. Mexico's round of 32 win over Ecuador had a delay on Tuesday due to storms, and there's always the chance this could be the case on Sunday. What Is The Weather Forecast For Mexico vs. England? According to FOX Weather, the forecast for the game is 64 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms. The ROWI (Risk of Weather Impact) is high. Those storms could intensify – or dissipate – as the afternoon rolls on, but in the event there is a lightning strike, there is a mandatory shelter-in-place, with teams returning to the locker room. What Are The Weather Delay Protocols At The World Cup? Play is suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an ​eight-mile radius ​of a ⁠stadium and can only resume after 30 minutes have passed without ​a further occurrence. Like in other sports, a countdown starts after lightning, and there would need to be no other lightning in the area after those conditions before the match can safely be back on. Any new lightning detection ​resets ⁠the countdown, meaning delays can stretch for several hours if thunderstorms persist. FIFA has no fixed ⁠time ​limit after which a ​match must be abandoned, with each situation assessed on a ​case-by-case basis. Has There Been A Weather Delay At the World Cup? The France vs. Iraq group stage game in Philadelphia on June 23 was suspended mid-match for two hours due to weather. France was leading Iraq 1-0 when the suspension occurred, with Les Bleus winning 3-0 once play resumed. The Mexico vs. Ecuador round of 32 game in Mexico City on June 30 was delayed for one hour due to weather. Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 once the action got underway.