Weather Shadow Over the World Cup: Matches Could Be Delayed for Hours
According to The Athletic, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will begin on June 11, is facing serious delays due to lightning and hot weather protocols in the US. According to the protocol valid in the US, when lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an 8-mile (about 12.8 km) radius of the stadium, the match is stopped immediately, players retreat to the locker room, fans are directed to safe areas, and the clock is set to 30 minutes. If a new lightning occurs, the clock starts from zero. Such delays were also experienced at the 2025 Club World Cup.