England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico could face major disruption if severe thunderstorms hit Mexico City, with FIFA facing a difficult decision should the match prove impossible to complete.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are due to take on the tournament co-hosts at the Azteca Stadium, but forecasts have warned of thunderstorms in the area around kick-off, raising the possibility of lengthy delays.
Lightning is the biggest concern to those in charge.
Under FIFA’s safety protocols, play must be suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
Any stoppage lasts for a minimum of 30 minutes, but the countdown resets every time another lightning strike is recorded within the exclusion zone.
That means if storms continue to move across Mexico City, the delay could stretch well beyond the initial half-hour and potentially last several hours.
While there is no suggestion the match will definitely be abandoned, a prolonged suspension could leave FIFA with a major logistical headache.
Should the game ultimately be abandoned, tournament organisers would have to determine how and when it could be completed.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) states: “An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules or organisers determine otherwise.
“In principle, where a team is responsible for a match being abandoned because it has fewer than seven players, the match will be forfeited by that team.”
However, that does not automatically mean England and Mexico would have to replay the entire fixture from the opening whistle.
Instead, FIFA could decide to resume the contest from the exact point at which it was halted.
For example, if England were leading 2-0 with only 15 minutes remaining when the match was abandoned, the teams could return at a later date to play only the remaining minutes rather than starting again from 0-0.
That would, however, create a significant scheduling dilemma.
The World Cup knockout rounds operate on a tightly packed timetable, meaning any rearranged fixture would have implications for travel, recovery, broadcasting schedules and the timing of the quarter-finals.
Before considering abandonment, though, FIFA’s priority would be to complete the match on the same day if conditions improve.
Weather-related delays are not uncommon during North American summers, with thunderstorms capable of developing rapidly and forcing sporting events to pause until it is safe to resume.
England are already preparing for the challenges of playing at altitude in Mexico City, while Mexico will enjoy the backing of a passionate home crowd at the Azteca Stadium.
How the contest plays out remains to be seen.
