Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Jul 3

FIFA Weighs Moving 2 World Cup Last-16 Kickoffs as Storm and Flood Risks Threaten Sunday

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Jul 3

FIFA Weighs Moving 2 World Cup Last-16 Kickoffs as Storm and Flood Risks Threaten Sunday

Q: Can FIFA's multi-million dollar 'super pitches' actually withstand the extreme weather forecast for this World Cup knockout match?

Probably yes for the grass surface itself, but not for the full weather threat around the match. FIFA’s World Cup “super pitches” were built precisely to cope with heavy rain. Host venues have spent millions on natural-grass systems with hybrid reinforcement, specialist drainage, irrigation, aeration and, in some cases, vacuum ventilation beneath the surface. The aim is to keep the pitch firm, drain water quickly and prevent the turf from tearing up under intense use. Turf experts involved in the project have said they do not expect the pitches to fail under normal severe-rain scenarios. But the issue at Azteca is bigger than whether the grass can drain. The stadium is open-air, and recent matches there have already been disrupted by heavy rain and lightning warnings, including a delay to Mexico’s game against Ecuador. FIFA’s safety rules require play to stop if lightning is detected within a set radius, and severe thunderstorms can also create visibility, crowd-safety and transport problems even if the field remains playable. That is why FIFA is considering moving England’s match six hours earlier. The forecast risk is not just a waterlogged pitch; it is the combination of thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain in a city already hit by flooding and disruption. So the technology under the grass may well hold up, but it cannot remove the need for delays or rescheduling when the wider weather danger becomes too high.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 3

England’s round-of-16 match against Mexico could be moved from 6 p.m. local time at the Azteca to several hours earlier, while Brazil’s tie with Norway at MetLife could be delayed by 30 minutes.
FIFA is reviewing the changes because of weather risks including flooding in Mexico City; the Mexican federation confirmed talks, but no final decision has been announced.
Weather has already disrupted the tournament: Mexico’s win over Ecuador in Mexico City started an hour late, and France’s group match with Iraq in Philadelphia was halted for 131 minutes by thunderstorms.
Sunday’s Mexico City forecast shows an 80% chance of afternoon showers and storms, though FIFA has left other weather-threatened games on schedule, including France-Paraguay in Philadelphia despite heat near 100F.