The threat of extreme weather has been a constant throughout the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Fifa introduced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half for all World Cup fixtures because of the threat of high temperatures, though they have continued even in more comfortable conditions.
Mexico have already experienced interruptions to their preparations so far this tournament, with their last-32 tie against Ecuador delayed by an hour because of thunder and lightning in Mexico City.
The build-up to Sunday’s fixture has been dominated by talk about Mexico’s record at the Estadio Azteca and how England’s players will deal with the altitude.
The arena sits 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level, and Mexico have lost just twice in 89 matches at the iconic stadium.
At that altitude, the Earth’s barometric pressure is lower, making the air thinner and meaning less oxygen is taken into the bloodstream with each breath.
Even for professional footballers, that has a potentially significant impact – increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration, quicker and more intense fatigue.
The fixture had been set to start in the early evening, when temperatures were forecast to be about 20C.
However, a midday kick-off is expected to see temperatures hit highs of about 23C, which will theoretically make conditions even more difficult.
France’s group-stage fixture against Iraq was delayed for over two hours because of safety concerns amid adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia.
Last summer’s Club World Cup, which was also hosted by the United States, had six major weather delays across the 63 matches played.