Why was Mexico vs Ecuador delayed at the FIFA World Cup 2026?

This is the second match at this World Cup to be affected by weather. What happened in Mexico City?

The Round of 16 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the FIFA World Cup 2026, originally scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time) on Tuesday, was delayed by one hour and eventually got underway at 10:00 PM ET (8:00 PM local time). What caused the delay? Here's what happened.

THE REASON

For the second time at this World Cup, a match was delayed after FIFA's lightning safety protocol was activated.

Heavy rain and frequent lightning over Mexico City were so intense that the protocol was triggered three separate times during the hour leading up to kickoff, resulting in three successive delays.

MORE DETAILS

At 9:05 PM ET (7:05 PM local time), both teams returned to the pitch to begin their warm-ups.

The match officially kicked off at 10:00 PM ET (8:00 PM local time), once officials confirmed there was no longer an immediate threat of lightning.

As a precaution, FIFA had ordered everyone off the field 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff.

As rain and lightning continued to affect the Mexican capital, FIFA initially instructed spectators to remain in their seats before later directing them to move inside the stadium and take shelter until conditions improved.

At 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time), with the danger having passed, FIFA confirmed that the match would begin one hour later and allowed fans to return to their seats, while players, media personnel and other match staff also resumed their positions.

The previous weather-related delay at this tournament came during the France vs Iraq match on Monday, June 22, when play at half-time was suspended for 90 minutes because of adverse weather conditions at Lincoln Financial Field.

WHAT DOES FIFA'S LIGHTNING PROTOCOL INVOLVE?

Under FIFA's lightning safety protocol, play is immediately suspended if lightning is detected within a 13-kilometre (8-mile) radius of the stadium. Players, officials and spectators must leave their positions and seek shelter inside the venue.

The match may resume 30 minutes after the last detected lightning strike. If lightning activity continues for one to two hours, FIFA officials will determine whether the match can still be played that day.

If conditions remain unsafe, the fixture is postponed and must be resumed within the next two days, restarting from the exact minute at which play was suspended.