What happens if there is a thunderstorm during a match? This is the suspension protocol for the 2026 World Cup
If authorities issue a severe weather alert, play must be stopped, everyone must take shelter, and they must wait for a decision on when to resume the match. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
To this situation, another major point of concern must be added: the threat of severe lightning strikes. This issue already caused significant disruptions for teams, fans, and tournament organizers alike during the Club World Cup. In Charlotte, for instance, the Chelsea vs. Benfica match was halted with barely a minute left in regulation.
The protocol in these scenarios is uncompromising, and FIFA has very little say in the matter. Local authorities determine exactly when and for how long matches are suspended. If a severe weather alert approaches in the form of a thunderstorm, an immediate stoppage is ordered, and all spectators are urged to take shelter. The aforementioned Chelsea-Benfica clash was not an isolated incident; several other matches were also disrupted during the Club World Cup.
Furthermore, the tournament’s overall logistics are inherently at risk due to these external factors. Real Madrid, for example, was unable to fly from Miami to New York on schedule last summer because their plane was grounded due to severe weather conditions. Unfortunately, these situations could easily happen again. Play must simply be stopped, with everyone waiting for the official decision to resume. The delay can range anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
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