By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, April 23, 2026 - Concerns are growing that extreme weather, particularly storms, could significantly disrupt the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with experts warning that matches may face delays lasting several hours under certain conditions.
The tournament, scheduled for June and July across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be played during peak summer, a period known for volatile weather patterns in North America. While heat has received the most attention, thunderstorms and lightning are emerging as one of the biggest threats to match schedules.
Storms and lightning: The biggest disruption risk#
One of the most serious concerns revolves around lightning storms, especially in parts of the United States where summer thunderstorms are frequent. Under strict safety regulations used in the U.S., matches must be immediately suspended if lightning is detected within a 10-mile (16 km) radius of a stadium.
These are not short interruptions. Evidence from recent tournaments shows that delays can last anywhere from 40 minutes to over two hours, depending on how long the storm persists. In extreme cases, matches could stretch close to 2.5 hours or even longer due to repeated stoppages.
A clear warning sign came during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, also held in the U.S., where multiple matches were disrupted by thunderstorms. Some games were paused for more than an hour, while others experienced delays exceeding 90 minutes.
This has raised serious concerns that similar disruptions could occur during the World Cup, especially since many of the same venues will be used.
Storms are only one part of a broader weather challenge facing the tournament. Experts warn that a combination of extreme heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, and even hurricanes could impact matches, fans, and logistics.
North America’s climate varies significantly across host cities, meaning some venues may experience humid coastal storms, while others deal with intense heat or sudden weather shifts. This unpredictability makes scheduling and planning far more complex than in previous World Cups.
In fact, reports suggest that up to 10 of the 16 host venues face a high risk of extreme heat stress, while others are exposed to heavy rainfall or storm activity.
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Why delays could be unavoidable#
Unlike heat, which can sometimes be managed with hydration breaks, storms present a non-negotiable safety issue. Lightning, in particular, poses a direct threat to players, officials, and spectators, meaning matches cannot continue until conditions are deemed safe.
Past experience shows that even a single lightning strike near a stadium can trigger a mandatory delay, and every new strike resets the waiting period. This can quickly turn a short pause into a lengthy interruption.
As a result, some matches in 2026 could experience multiple stoppages or delays, especially in cities prone to afternoon and evening storms.
FIFA is aware of the risks and has already introduced several measures aimed at minimizing disruption and protecting participants. These include:
- Mandatory hydration breaks in every match to combat heat
- Flexible scheduling, including the possibility of later kick-off times
- Use of climate-controlled or covered stadiums where possible
- Enhanced weather monitoring and safety protocols
However, while these measures may reduce the impact of heat, they offer limited control over storm-related disruptions. In many cases, delays will simply be unavoidable.
Experts have even suggested that kickoff times may need to be adjusted significantly, potentially moving games to later in the evening, to avoid both peak heat and storm-prone hours.
While organizers are taking steps to manage the risks, the scale and geographic spread of the tournament mean that weather will remain one of the biggest uncontrollable factors. In a World Cup already set to be historic for its size and format, the climate could play an equally defining role in how it unfolds.