2026 World Cup: FIFA on alert as extreme weather threatens fixtures

Some matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be delayed or temporarily stopped because of severe weather, especially thunderstorms.

In the United States, safety rules require matches to stop immediately if lightning is detected within eight miles of a stadium. Players must leave the pitch and go to the dressing rooms, while fans are directed to safe areas inside the stadium.

Once lightning is detected, officials start a 30-minute countdown. If no more lightning occurs during that period, the match can continue. However, if another lightning strike is detected, the countdown starts again. This could lead to delays lasting several hours.

FIFA does not have a fixed rule on how long a match can be delayed before it is cancelled. Instead, each situation will be handled individually.

FIFA said it is working closely with weather and emergency management agencies in the United States, Canada and Mexico to prepare for severe weather during the tournament.

According to the governing body, all host stadiums must have emergency plans, including procedures for evacuations and lightning-related disruptions.

FIFA will also monitor weather conditions in real time using heat and temperature tracking systems and will activate emergency plans when necessary.

Concerns have increased because similar weather problems affected matches during last year’s Club World Cup in the United States. One match between Chelsea and Benfica was delayed for about two hours due to bad weather, causing the game to last more than four and a half hours.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca criticized the disruption at the time, saying repeated delays raised questions about whether the venue was suitable for the competition.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, there are concerns that thunderstorms and extreme heat could once again affect the tournament schedule.