World Cup Matches Could Face Lengthy Delays Due to Severe Weather, Reports The Athletic

According to a report by The Athletic, World Cup matches could be subject to lengthy interruptions if severe weather occurs, as FIFA regulations do not impose a specific limit on how long a match can be suspended. Several matches at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States were previously interrupted due to adverse weather conditions.

The Athletic wrote:
"Under the U.S. lightning protocol, if lightning or an electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium, any match taking place there must be suspended immediately. Players are taken off the field and must remain in the dressing rooms, while spectators are directed to designated safe areas inside the venue. Once lightning is detected within the eight-mile zone, a 30-minute countdown begins."

"If no further lightning strikes are detected during that period, the match may resume. However, if another strike occurs within the 30-minute window, the timer is reset to zero and will continue to reset until 30 consecutive minutes pass without any detected lightning. While FIFA does not control or override U.S. weather safety regulations, this could result in World Cup matches being delayed for several hours."

"FIFA has no specific rule outlining how long a match can be delayed before it is abandoned, instead assessing each situation on a case-by-case basis. Postponements can also create significant scheduling challenges. Last month, FIFA issued a detailed statement explaining the potential impact of severe weather on the tournament, noting that established contingency plans are ready to be implemented in the event of extreme weather conditions."