Forget storms... we need a Harrikane! As weathermen predict thunder and lightning WILL delay 1am Mexico showdown, England fans back home gear up for an epic all-nighter

By NICK PISA, SENIOR REPORTER and SAM GREENHILL, THE CHIEF REPORTER Published: 00:18, 5 July 2026 | Updated: 00:21, 5 July 2026 They are up against a host nation in their capital city, playing at altitude without the time to adapt. There were four hours of frantic wrangling with Fifa when they didn’t even know when kick-off would be, and then they got a hostile reception from the noisy locals as they arrived. Safe to say, England’s preparations for their World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico have hardly been the smoothest. Overnight, the weather forecasts worsened, and there is now a 90 per cent chance of thunderstorms around the time of kick-off – tomorrow at 1am British time. With Fifa calling a 30-minute delay when there is lightning near a stadium, that looks certain to spell disruption. But were England’s boisterous supporters discouraged? Not a bit of it! In Mexico City last night, as they arrived, singing and celebrating, the mood was one of defiant optimism. They believe Thomas Tuchel’s men can get past Mexico, even if the hosts have lost only two of 89 matches they have played at the Azteca Stadium, 2,240m above sea level. Alfie Van Loo, 45, from Leatherhead, Surrey, said: ‘This match was always going to be the dream game. Mexico in the Azteca – it doesn’t get any bigger than that. I’ve paid £1,000 for the ticket, but I don’t care. The atmosphere is going to be unforgettable.’ Andy Allen, who is retired, from Blackburn, said: ‘It’s going to be fantastic, I can’t wait for it. The atmosphere in there will be electric. We just have to hold our nerve.’ Offshore worker Danny Thompson, 44, from Ipswich, said: ‘It will be a tough one, but we will stay positive.’ The can-do spirit is shared in the England camp. Captain Harry Kane, who has already scored five goals at this tournament, said: ‘It’s about writing our own history. We know we have the chance to do something really special in a special stadium away from home. That’s why you play football, to have these epic games.’ Harry Kane arrives in Mexico City. England are playing against a host nation in their capital city, playing at altitude without the time to adapt England fans celebrate at Boxpark. Bosses across the country were fielding last-minute leave requests on Friday, with many bracing for thousands of workers calling in sick on Monday Back home, the nation is gearing up for an all-night party, with England fans stocking up to roar on the Three Lions. An estimated 13 million are expected to stay up to watch, while around 6,000 pubs are expected to cash in after a government U-turn means they can stay open until 5am. An incredible 38 million pints are expected to be drunk either in pubs – or by fans cheering England on from the sofa at home. Pub chain Greene King said more than 600 pubs across England will be staying open late. Bosses across the country were fielding last-minute leave requests on Friday, with many bracing for thousands of workers calling in sick on Monday. Parents are wrestling with whether to let their children stay up. Some schools are letting pupils attend lessons later than normal. ‘We would rather have children in school rested and ready to learn rather than tired or absent,’ said a message posted on Facebook by Berwick Hills Primary School in Middlesbrough. Greenland Community Primary School in County Durham said children can come in at 10am and do not need to wear uniforms. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.