England v Mexico set for originally scheduled kick off after talks over change amid weather concerns

England‘s last 16 tie against Mexico will go ahead at its regular kick off time after talks with FIFA over bringing forward the match.

The match is now set to be played at its scheduled 6pm local time (1am BST), after FIFA considered bringing the match at the Azteca, Mexico City, forward to 12pm local time (7pm BST).

FIFA are yet to provide any explanation for the discussed change, but weather forecasts suggest thunderstorms and heavy rain around the original kick off time. The protocols around electrical storms are not set by football’s governing body, but are based upon the recommendations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

According to NOAA guidelines: “Matches must be halted and suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.

“In that situation, players and staff will leave the field and go to the changing rooms, while fans are advised to find shelter inside the stadium.

“For the game to restart, there must be no further lightning strikes detected within that eight-mile radius of the venue for a full 30 minutes. If a lightning strike is detected, the 30-minute countdown resets.

“Once that 30-minute countdown has finished, fans can return to their seats, and players will return to the pitch for a 15-minute warm-up before the game restarts.”