What happens if England v Mexico is cancelled? Unprecedented series of events to ensue
The World Cup round of 16 tie between England and Mexico would be played on a future date if it is abandoned tonight.
The crucial clash in Mexico City has been beset with issues due to the inclement weather.
FIFA had wanted to bring the kick-off forward from 1am Monday morning UK time to 7pm Sunday night due to the risk of thunderstorms.
They U-turned on their decision following backlash from both confederations and now players and fans are set for an evening of disruptions.
Kick-off is still currently set for 1am but that could be delayed or the match may be halted midway through.
Heavy rain and electrical storms are set to roll through Mexico City throughout the evening.
And should they become more severe than forecast or the pitch become unplayable, the game could be at risk of being called off.
Should that happen – which would be the first time in World Cup history – tournament regulations state that the game will restart on a future date.
The match would resume from the same time it stopped rather than be re-played in full, meaning if it was postponed in the 88th minute, players would have to return another day to play the remaining few minutes.
The date, time and location of the resumption will be decided by FIFA.
The same players must restart the game, meaning there can be no subs or changes to the teams.
Fifa rules on cancelled fixture
a) The match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted rather than being replayed in full, and with the same scoreline
The match shall recommence where play was stopped when the match was interrupted (e.g. with a free kick, throw‑in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty kick, etc.). If the match was abandoned while the ball was still in play, it shall restart with a dropped ball from the position of the ball when play was stopped.
b) The match shall recommence with the same players on the pitch and substitutes available as when the match was abandoned.
c) No additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the start list.
d) The teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled when the match was abandoned.
e) Players sent off during the abandoned match cannot be replaced.
f) Any disciplinary measures imposed before the match was abandoned will be dealt with in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
g) The kick‑off time, date, location and any other matter shall be decided by FIFA.
What if a World Cup 2026 match is delayed?
It is looking increasingly likely that England v Mexico will be delayed or halted.
The 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the USA and Canada, has been scheduled during peak storm season in several parts of these countries.
US and FIFA regulations dictate that matches must be halted if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium.
Last summer’s Club World Cup in America was hit by weather-related disruptions, including a match between Chelsea and Benfica.
A match can only resume after 30 minutes has passed since the last lightning strike and that countdown will reset should more inclement weather come.
England’s pre-World Cup friendly win over Costa Rica was delayed by an hour on the eve of the tournament.
What have England said?
England boss Thomas Tuchel insists his side will ‘overcome obstacles’ should they arise as the Three Lions look to make it into the World Cup quarter-finals.
“Like so often, it is so much noise,” he said. “When you are inside of the bubble, it is actually quite calm, quite focused.
“And the bigger the noises, the bigger the stages, the bigger the noises, the calmer the preparation.
“I think the players were not even aware of a possible change of kick-offs and just this example shows you to not lose your heads. We cannot influence it.
“Three-and-a-half hours later, you land in Mexico and the kick-off time stayed the same. It is just not worth losing our heads.”
He continued: “Altitude: it is what it is. Home crowd: it is what it is. It is not in our favour.
“We need to overcome obstacles, but we have the spirit, we have the commitment, the pure will and the glue between the team to overcome these things.
“That’s why I am positive. We know what’s coming. The players will feel it, we will all feel it tomorrow when the energy is on.
“But that’s also the beauty of it. We focus completely on what is possible to be influenced by us.”
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