2026 World Cup Matches Face Potential Long Delays Due to Thunderstorms

Some matches at the 2026 World Cup could experience lengthy delays due to weather conditions, in accordance with established protocols in the United States for dealing with thunderstorms and lightning strikes.

The current procedures mandate an immediate suspension of play if a lightning strike is detected within a radius of approximately 13 kilometers from the stadium hosting the match. This measure is in place to ensure the safety of players, fans, and all individuals present at the sports venue.

Under these rules, a mandatory 30-minute waiting period is imposed after each recorded lightning strike. If a new strike is detected during this period, the waiting time is reset from the beginning. This could potentially lead to matches being suspended for several hours in some cases, as reported by "The Athletic" newspaper.

The organizing committee and relevant authorities are expected to closely monitor climatic conditions throughout the tournament, especially since some host cities may experience fluctuating weather and thunderstorms during the competition period.