Arabic version: الطقس يجبر على إصدار أمر بالاحتماء في ملعب أزتيكا لمباراة كأس العالم

A shelter-in-place order has been issued at the Azteca Stadium because of severe weather before the last-16 World Cup tie between Mexico and England. The match in Mexico City is set to kick off at 18:00 local time on Sunday (01:00 BST Monday). There has been heavy rain in the city during the day and reports of lightning above the stadium.

According to BBC News, supporters and media inside the ground have been advised to remain in their seats as the situation develops. FIFA held talks with the English and Mexican football associations on Friday after proposing the match be moved to 19:00 BST on Sunday (12:00 local time) before a U-turn resulted in the kick-off time remaining unchanged.

Big screens inside the Azteca alerted people that an electrical storm was approaching and to remain in their seats, though many sought cover from the rain. Play cannot begin until 30 minutes have passed since lightning was last detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. With regards to delays caused by severe weather, FIFA has no power to make its own rules – it must adhere to the advice of local authorities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidelines are typically followed in the United States, emphasizing the safety of players and fans.

Thunderstorms and shower clouds have been developing around Mexico City in the last few hours. Meteorologists warn that the storms may persist, potentially disrupting the match. Fans and players alike are hoping for the weather to improve in time for the game to proceed as planned.