Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterMexico and Ecuador will trade blows in Mexico City (CDMX) this evening but not at the scheduled 9pm local time kick-off.The two Latin American nations are seeking a place in the Last 16 of the World Cup - in Ecuador's case for only the second time in the country's history.Kick-off has been delayed in the Mexican capital due to a weather warning with no word as of yet on when the game will take place.PLAY our FREE World Cup scores predictor and win �1kWhy is Mexico vs Ecuador delayed?The iconic Estadio Azteca is the venue for tonight's Round of 32 bout but thunderstorms in the region are playing havoc with FIFA's scheduling.It follows Ecuador's lodging of a complaint with world football's governing body after Mexican fans set off fireworks and created a disturbance outside the Ecuador squad hotel overnight. You may like How to watch Mexico vs Ecuador for FREE Mexico vs Ecuador prediction as co-hosts seek to use home advantage in Round of 32 Who is the referee for Jordan vs Algeria? Fans blasted car horns in a bid to disrupt Ecuador's preparation for the fixture in Mexico City, one of the most populous and elevated above sea level capital cities in the world.Ecuador's complaint to FIFA cited the so-called 'sleep deprivation tactics'.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.According to The Guardian, kick-off has been delayed 'due to a biblical thunderstorm that has been raging above the stadium for more than an hour.'Lightning has been observed near the stadium, whilst rolling thunder reportedly drew gasps from the crowd in CDMX. As of 40 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time, players had not emerged from the dressing rooms to warm up.When lightning is present within an eight-mile (13 km) radius of the stadium, World Cup matches are immediately called to a halt. Play may only resume after a full 30 minutes have passed without further strikes in that area and any new lightning event resets the countdown.TOPICSEcuadorMexicoJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
