The 2026 FIFA World Cup could face significant disruption from thunderstorms and lightning, with several host cities in the United States entering the tournament during peak storm season.
Extreme weather was already a major talking point at last year's Club World Cup, where Chelsea's last-16 clash against Benfica in Charlotte, North Carolina, was suspended for nearly two hours after lightning was detected nearby.
The match, which kicked off at 4pm local time, was halted in the 86th minute and only resumed after the storm cleared. It eventually finished at 8:38pm — four hours and 38 minutes after kick-off.
It was one of six matches interrupted by electrical storms during the tournament, highlighting a challenge that could return on an even bigger scale at the 2026 World Cup.
Unlike many other football nations, weather-related suspensions are common in the United States.
FIFA must follow local safety regulations, which in the US are based on guidance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Under NOAA rules, any lightning strike detected within eight miles (13 kilometres) of a stadium automatically triggers a suspension of play.
Players must leave the pitch immediately, while supporters are instructed to seek shelter. A mandatory 30-minute safety countdown then begins.
If another lightning strike occurs within the designated radius during that period, the countdown resets, potentially leading to lengthy delays.
Only after 30 consecutive minutes without lightning can fans return to their seats and players begin warming up for the restart.
There is no maximum delay period under FIFA regulations.
Each situation is assessed individually, with decisions based on weather conditions, public safety and logistical considerations.
History shows games can be delayed for several hours. An MLS match between FC Dallas and Toronto FC in 2015 was suspended for three hours and 26 minutes and did not finish until 1am local time.
If conditions make it impossible to complete a World Cup match, FIFA regulations state that the game would be resumed on a later date from the exact minute it was suspended.
For example, if a match is halted in the 76th minute, teams would return to complete the remaining 14 minutes.
The possibility of weather interruptions also creates complications for final group-stage matches, which are scheduled to kick off simultaneously, as well as knockout ties that may require extra time and penalties.
Several World Cup venues are located in regions that regularly experience summer thunderstorms.
Cities considered most vulnerable include:
While stadiums in Atlanta, Dallas and Houston feature fixed or retractable roofs, matches can still be suspended if lightning is detected within the required safety radius.
England's World Cup campaign could face weather-related disruption despite opening against Croatia in the indoor setting of Dallas.
The Three Lions then travel to Boston to face Ghana before taking on Panama in New Jersey — both cities with a history of summer thunderstorms.
Scotland's entire group-stage schedule could also be impacted. Steve Clarke's side are set to face Haiti and Morocco in Boston before a high-profile clash against Brazil in Miami.
The 1994 World Cup is remembered for extreme heat rather than lightning.
During the Republic of Ireland's match against Mexico in Orlando, air temperatures reached around 40.5°C, while temperatures at pitch level climbed as high as 49°C.
Despite the scorching conditions, matches continued uninterrupted.
However, weather safety protocols have evolved dramatically over the past three decades.
Advances in lightning detection technology, stricter safety regulations and increased awareness of extreme weather risks now mean games are far more likely to be suspended.
Climate scientists also point to rising global temperatures, increased atmospheric moisture and a growing frequency of severe weather events as contributing factors behind stronger and more frequent thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms are estimated to occur four times more frequently in North America than in Europe, making weather interruptions a genuine concern throughout the tournament.
With several matches expected to be played in storm-prone regions, fans, players and coaches may have to prepare for lengthy delays, interrupted schedules and potentially unfinished matches.
At the 2026 World Cup, the biggest opponent for some teams may not be on the pitch — it could be the weather.
