Shelter order in place at Azteca Stadium ahead of Mexico v England game

Fans attending the Mexico versus England World Cup Round of 16 clash at the Azteca Stadium were instructed to shelter in place as thunderstorms approached Mexico City. FIFA confirmed the order was issued on Sunday due to severe weather warnings in the vicinity of the iconic venue.

As the storm loomed, stadium personnel working on the pitch were directed to seek refuge in the tunnel. A message displayed on the stadium's big screen alerted attendees: "Thunderstorm activated, please take your seats." Outside the stadium, fans were observed seeking cover under bridges and awnings as they made their way to the match.

Despite the inclement weather, which had previously caused a delay in Mexico's earlier match against Ecuador, FIFA opted to maintain the original kickoff time for the England fixture. A source familiar with the discussions indicated that the governing body had considered rescheduling the game, but ultimately decided against it, a decision that could still be impacted by the weather's severity.