Mexico and Ecuador’s World Cup round of 32 match has been delayed as a result of thunderstorms. The two nations were scheduled to get underway at 2am (UK time) but the kick off will be pushed back.
The pre-match warm-ups were quickly put on hold once the rain started falling. At 1.45am (UK time), 15 minutes before the originally scheduled kick off, neither Mexico nor Ecuador had come out to warm up.
Lightning was also spotted around the area, which is normally the clearest indicator a match will be kicking off much later than planned. FIFA has very strict protocols in regards to lightning strikes and they are not afraid to enforce them, as was proven when France’s 3-0 victory over Iraq was halted for two hours after half time.
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However, the battle between the Mexicans and the Ecuadorians was the first match in Mexico to be disrupted by the weather during this tournament. When it comes to matches being suspended or delayed, FIFA’s decisions will be informed by recommendations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Their guidelines recommend the halting and delay of matches taking place within an eight-mile radius of a lightning strike. Once this is decided, players have to return to the changing rooms and fans are advised to seek shelter outside of the stadium.
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A match will only be allowed to restart if there are no more strikes within that radius over the course of 30 minutes – If another one is detected, the 30-minute countdown with reset.
On their protocols, FIFA has previously said: “FIFA’s emergency preparedness team meets regularly with national meteorological and emergency management authorities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as with partners across all 16 host cities.
View 2 ImagesStorm clouds gathered over the Azteca Stadium(Image: 2026 FIFA)
“A comprehensive, tournament-wide preparedness exercise focusing on severe weather scenarios has further strengthened cross-agency coordination and operational readiness.
“Stadiums are required to maintain robust risk management and evacuation procedures, including lightning and severe weather protocols aligned with local legislation and international best practice.”
It was eventually confirmed that the match would kick off at 3am (UK time). Interestingly, as a result of the delay, the controversial hydration breaks were also scrapped, just for that match. If anything, the heavy delay may have come as a relief to the Ecuador players, who may have felt sleepy before the match.
Fireworks and firecrackers were set off outside their hotel in Mexico City on the night of the game. Videos of the players peering out of the window as they were going off in the early hours of the morning were seen on social media.
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