Mexico vs Ecuador DELAYED just minutes before kick-off as weather wreaks havoc on World Cup clash
THE World Cup last-32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador has been delayed. Thunderstorms and lightning in the Mexico City area forced officials to scrap plans to begin at 7pm local time (2am UK). Fans gathered at the iconic Azteca – but were kept waiting for the action to begin. Fifa released a statement on the decision. It read: “Due to adverse weather conditions in Mexico City, including risk caused by lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador has been delayed. “FIFA will follow the safety protocols established by the local authorities, and the match will start as soon as it is safe to do so. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP “The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA’s priority. “We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation.” Kick-off was delayed by an hour due to the weather, with the game instead beginning at 8pm local time. Players came out to begin warm-ups at 7:05pm – five minutes after the game was due to kickoff at the Azteca. Most read in Sport The same stadium is set to host a last-16 game at the weekend – which could well be Mexico against England. One game has been impacted by thunderstorms at the World Cup so far. WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS The match between France and Iraq – which took place in Philadelphia earlier this month – was paused for TWO HOURS due to a severe thunderstorm. Fans were instructed to take shelter at half-time while players returned to the dressing room. Any lightning within an eight mile radius of a stadium triggers a suspension, with play not allowed to resume until at least 15 minutes after the final strike. Due to the lengthy delay, players on both teams were forced to complete another warm-up before the match resumed. Plenty of games have been threatened by thunderstorms over the last fortnight, but they have still kicked off as scheduled. As things stand, the match between Mexico and Ecuador will start at 7pm local time. The winner of the clash will face either England or DR Congo in the last-16 at the weekend. They will discover their opponents on Wednesday. World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are here, with many big sides still in the hunt for global glory. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought for the nation. Powerhouse nations like France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders for the biggest prize in sport. However, heavyweights Germany and Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the last-32! Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are showing no signs of slowing down, on what looks to be the pair’s final World Cup. LATEST NEWS - Paraguay World Cup star in tears after huge Germany upset - Chelsea legend consoled by Ronaldo after sudden World Cup camp departure - Casemiro’s daughter in tears after Man Utd star scores header vs Japan - South Korea boss RESIGNS after group stage exit - Ronaldo DITCHES £242 limited edition boots after just 45 minutes KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.