World Cup fixtures could face lengthy delays if they are interrupted by severe weather conditions as FIFA does not have a cut-off point in its regulations for calling a match off.
According to U.S. thunderstorm protocol, a fixture taking place at a stadium must be immediately…
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) June 3, 2026
World Cup fixtures could face lengthy delays if they are interrupted by severe weather conditions as FIFA does not have a cut-off point in its regulations for calling a match off.
According to U.S. thunderstorm protocol, a fixture taking place at a stadium must be immediately suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the venue.
The players are led off the pitch and must take shelter in their dressing room, while fans are evacuated to safe areas inside the venue.
Once a lightning strike has been detected within eight miles, then a 30-minute countdown clock begins.
And if this time passes without any further strikes, then the match can resume. However, if there is another lightning strike during that 30-minute window, then the clock is reset to zero, and it will continue to be reset until 30 minutes pass without a detected strike.
Although FIFA is not responsible for U.S. thunderstorm protocol, nor can they override it, this could lead to World Cup fixtures being delayed for hours.
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