Fans fear England vs Mexico could be DELAYED as thunderstorms forecasted just as World Cup clash due to kick off

ENGLAND fans are fearing that the Three Lions’ blockbuster last-16 World Cup clash with Mexico could be dramatically DELAYED due to severe weather. Thomas Tuchel‘s men booked their spot in the knockout rounds after grinding out a tense 2-1 win against DR Congo on Wednesday. The reward for the squad is a terrifyingly tricky task against host nation Mexico at their home fortress, the iconic Estadio Azteca. But the highly-anticipated match could be thrown into complete chaos with violent thunderstorms forecast to lash down in the late afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm local time, which lands at a grueling 1am for bleary-eyed supporters watching back home in the UK. Alarmingly, Mexico’s last game against Ecuador was also hit by severe weather disruption just minutes before the scheduled start. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP That last-32 tie eventually kicked off an hour later than planned as El Tri went on to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory. Forecasters at AccuWeather have reported that there is currently a 28 per cent chance of lightning and thunderstorms hitting the stadium. Any major delay to the clash could see dedicated England fans staying up until the sun starts to rise before it’s over. Patriotic punters in packed pubs could also be caught in an incredibly awkward position despite licensing laws being extended until 5am. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up. England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire. But the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32. LATEST NEWS - All pubs that will open for England’s 1am World Cup clash - How England beat DR Congo by copying Brazil - Germany ‘tell Nagelsmann resign or be SACKED’ - BBC blasted for World Cup broadcasting decision - World Cup fan has to be rescued by CRANE 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. Without any initial weather delays, the high-stakes match could already run until 4am if nerve-shredding extra time and penalties are needed. Therefore, a severe storm delay will cause absolute carnage if rowdy football fans are forced out into the streets before the final whistle. The weather will not be the only challenge for England to overcome in Mexico City. Mexico boast an impressive record of only losing TWO GAMES at the stadium in 89 matches. The players will also have to battle the altitude of the ground as it is 7,220ft above sea level. The Mexicans are accustomed to the altitude and Tuchel has been warned his players will not adapt in time for the match. Tuchel said: “My understanding is that we cannot adapt to the altitude. That is just a huge advantage that Mexico will have. “It just takes too much time. “We have only three days in between this match. It is physically just not possible to adapt, to adapt to the altitude, which is quite high. “We knew that before, so this is just something, it’s just a disadvantage which we will have to deal with. “I think we showed, we showed the attitude that, that we are ready for that, and, and from there we go.” El Tri have won all four of their games at the World Cup and are yet to concede a single goal. They have played three of their matches at the Azteca, including the victory over Ecuador.