Recent reports indicate that certain matches in the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup may experience significant delays, as a result of public safety laws in the United States concerning thunderstorms. According to The Athletic, these regulations mandate an immediate suspension of any game if lightning is detected within a radius of approximately 13 kilometers from the stadium.
As per these guidelines, players must promptly leave the field and head directly to the locker rooms, while spectators are directed to safe areas within the sports facility. The established protocol stipulates that play can only resume after a full 30 minutes have elapsed without any new lightning strikes being recorded. Should any additional flashes or thunder be detected during this waiting period, the 30-minute countdown resets to zero.
This protective measure is likely to impact the scheduling of several matches in the tournament, particularly in U.S. cities that are prone to unpredictable weather and frequent thunderstorms during the summer. Consequently, this may lead to delays in the start of games or extend the duration of play by several hours.
These steps are part of a comprehensive set of strict safety measures put in place by the organizing committee to ensure the safety and security of all participants, including players, technical staff, and fans, during the World Cup events hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As reported by marrakechalaan.com.
