Fans and media at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City have been instructed to remain in their seats after a shelter-in-place order was issued ahead of the FIFA World Cup last-16 clash between Mexico and England.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 local time on Sunday — equivalent to 01:00 BST on Monday. Heavy rain fell across Mexico City during the day, with reports of lightning visible above the stadium.

Stadium authorities issued the order as a precautionary measure in response to the severe weather conditions, directing all supporters and media personnel to stay in place until further notice.

Kick-off time controversy

The fixture had already sparked debate before a ball was kicked. FIFA held discussions with both the Football Association and the Mexican Football Federation on Friday after proposing to move the match to 19:00 BST on Sunday — 12:00 local time — a full six hours earlier than the original schedule.

However, after those talks, FIFA reversed course and confirmed the kick-off time would remain unchanged, leaving arrangements as they stood ahead of what promises to be a high-stakes encounter at one of football's most iconic venues.

More updates are expected as conditions develop at the stadium.