World Cup Opener Could Be Hit By Mexico City Storms

MEXICO CITY, June 8 (Bernama-dpa) -- The World Cup opening match in Mexico City on Thursday could be hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms, authorities have warned, with possible strikes and demonstrations also a risk, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

The Secretariat for Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection in Mexico City has repeatedly declared an orange weather alert for certain areas of the capital.

The opener between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa is one of 104 matches in the expanded tournament, with the weather set to be a major factor throughout.

A tropical storm is also threatening to form off Mexico's Pacific coast.

A one-hour opening ceremony – featuring pop star Shakira and her the World Cup song – precedes the opening game, which begins at 1 pm local time (1900 GMT).

Torrential downpours in Mexico City have repeatedly led to flooded streets in recent days. Public transport has also been affected. Some metro lines did not run and access to stations had to be closed.

Storms could cause havoc across the whole of the World Cup, which is being co-hosted with the United States (US) and Canada. At last year's Club World Cup in the US, which was also held in June and July, several matches were delayed because of the risk of lightning.  

Teachers, truck drivers, and farmers in Mexico are also set to demonstrate over a range of grievances during the tournament. 

Along with Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are also hosting matches in Mexico. Their two stadiums are in neighbouring municipalities to the cities. 

-- BERNAMA-dpa