Lightning and Storms Could Freeze 2026 World Cup Matches — FIFA Ramps Up Emergency Plans

Severe weather, especially lightning and thunderstorms, may force delays or temporary halts at the 2026 World Cup. In the US, rules require an immediate stoppage if lightning is detected within eight miles of a stadium. Players return to dressing rooms and fans head for safe areas until conditions clear. Officials begin a 30-minute countdown after each lightning strike. If another strike occurs during that window, the timer resets, potentially delaying games for hours. There’s no fixed cancellation threshold, so FIFA will assess each situation on its own. FIFA is coordinating with weather and emergency agencies across the US, Canada and Mexico. Host venues must have evacuation and lightning-disruption plans in place. Real-time monitoring systems for heat and storms will trigger emergency protocols when needed. Concerns resurfaced after last year’s Club World Cup in the US, where one match was delayed two hours by bad weather. Coaches warned that repeated stoppages may question venue suitability. With the World Cup on the horizon, organisers aim to limit similar disruptions.

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