England's World Cup round of 16 meeting with Mexico at Estadio Azteca could be significantly disrupted by severe weather, with AccuWeather forecasting thunderstorms in Mexico City that coincide directly with the scheduled kick-off time.

Thomas Tuchel's side are due to face Mexico at 5pm local time — 1am in the United Kingdom — but storms forecast between 4pm and 6pm local time could delay the start. A second storm window is then expected between 8pm and 9pm local time, raising the possibility of further interruptions mid-match.

Lightning protocols in place

FIFA's storm protocols for this World Cup are strict: no play is permitted while lightning is recorded within eight miles of the ground, and at least 30 minutes must pass after the last recorded lightning strike before play can resume or begin.

This means that if storms arrive around the time supporters are entering the stadium, kick-off will be pushed back. Should lightning strike during the match itself, players will be taken off the field and the game suspended until the storm clears and the mandatory 30-minute window has elapsed.

Both scenarios have already occurred at this tournament. France's group stage fixture against Iraq in Philadelphia was delayed by approximately two hours after a storm hit at half-time. Mexico's round of 32 encounter against Ecuador — also held at Estadio Azteca — saw kick-off pushed back by an hour.

The timing of the two forecast storms for Sunday night is particularly concerning. If kick-off is delayed by the first storm and the match runs into its second half around 8pm or 9pm local time, the second storm could arrive while the game is still in progress, forcing another suspension.

What is at stake

The winners of this round of 16 tie will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the victors of Brazil's earlier match against Norway.

Mexico have been in formidable form, winning all four of their games at this World Cup without conceding a single goal. England, meanwhile, opened the tournament with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, but were held to a goalless draw by Ghana and required late goals in both their fixtures against Panama and DR Congo to progress.