MEXICO CITY, July 1 — The World Cup last-32 game between Mexico and Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca yesterday has been delayed by one hour due to heavy rain and lightning, Fifa said.

The match in Mexico City will now start at 0200 GMT.

“Due to adverse weather conditions in Mexico City, including risk caused by lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the kick-off of the Fifa World Cup Round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador has been delayed to 20.00 local time,” world football’s governing body said.

It added: “The safety and security of all individuals is Fifa’s priority.”

Earlier, spectators in the stadium were informed by a message on a scoreboard that: “The match has been delayed.”

It is the first time at the 2026 tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada that the start of a game has been delayed due to the weather.

The group game between France and Iraq in Philadelphia on June 22 was interrupted at half-time for around two hours due to storms. — AFP