World Cup reporter in Mexico City issues concerning update ahead of Mexico vs England

World Cup reporter Olivia Buzaglo has issued a concerning update from the ground in Mexico City amid fears that the last 16 clash between Mexico and England could be delayed.

Plans for the fixture delved into chaos on Friday evening, with initial reports that FIFA were set to bring forward the kick-off time from 6pm local to 12pm due to the threat of thunderstorms.

The Met Office had been forecasting thunderstorms at around 6pm - an hour before the original kick-off - which would have seen delays of at least 30 minutes after each lightning strike as per government protocols.

But it was reported that the FA were not initially told about FIFA's plans and were 'deeply concerned' about the prospect of the game being brought forward for those travelling to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

READ MORE: The FA 'deeply concerned' over FIFA's plan for Mexico vs England kick-off change

And Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said he was 'quite angry' at the plan and described it as a 'kick in the gut' for his side's preparations.

It subsequently emerged that FIFA were in discussions with both federations, and it was ultimately decided that the original kick-off time of 6pm local (1am UK) would remain in place.

Official weather forecasts in use by FIFA, it is claimed, predict that there is an 80 per cent chance of thunderstorms while the match is being played, which would force players to be led back to the dressing room in the event of lightning.

READ MORE: England vs Mexico at risk of delay as concerning update emerges

Two matches at the World Cup thus far - the group stage match between France and Iraq, and Mexico's last 32 clash against Ecuador - have been delayed due to lightning strike protocol.

World Cup presenter Buzaglo, who is working at the tournament and is currently in Mexico City ahead of the Mexico vs England clash, has given a weather update - and it has prompted fresh concerns over whether the match could be delayed.

"Being in Mexico City, you can understand why they wanted to change the kick-off time," she wrote on Twitter (X). "It's nearly 5pm here and it is absolutely hammering it down. Like properly."

"Absolutely no way the game kicks off at 6pm tomorrow," she predicted.

Image: Twitter(X)/@OliviaBuzaglo

In reply to one Twitter user, Buzaglo added: "Been about 15 lightning bolts in half an hour."

How Mexico vs England kick-off chaos unfolded

Despite claims that the threat of thunderstorms was the key factor behind FIFA's initial decision to move the kick-off time forward, The Athletic have since reported that fan safety was the overriding concern among officials.

It is claimed that FIFA opened discussions over potentially moving Mexico versus England after four people died during celebrations of Mexico's win over Ecuador.

The match eventually kicked off at 8pm local time after a delay of an hour due to lightning strikes, with Mexico running out 2-0 winners after a dominant performance.

It is reported that 'more than' 17,000 officers will be deployed around the Estadio Azteca in an attempt to prevent a repeat of those scenes, with FIFA said to be believe that an earlier kick-off time would be safer for local organisers to avoid such a repeat.

But it was ultimately decided to stick with the original time and, barring the possibility of aforementioned weather delays, Mexico versus England will kick off at 6pm local (1am UK).