England’s World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica provided an early reminder of one of the biggest concerns surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup—weather-related disruptions. The friendly in Orlando, Florida, was scheduled to kick off at 21:00 BST but was delayed by an hour due to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel downplayed the disruption, describing it as a useful experience ahead of the tournament. He said the team had anticipated such situations and adjusted their plans accordingly. However, the delay has reignited concerns among players, officials, and fans about the potential impact of severe weather during the World Cup.
Under local safety regulations in the United States, matches must be suspended if lightning is detected within eight miles of a stadium. A mandatory 30-minute countdown begins, and every new lightning strike resets the clock. FIFA is required to follow these regulations and cannot create separate rules for the tournament.
The issue is not new. Last year’s FIFA Club World Cup saw multiple matches affected by thunderstorms, including Chelsea’s clash against Benfica, which took more than four hours to complete after a lengthy weather suspension. Several other matches were also delayed or halted because of lightning warnings.
Weather interruptions have already affected World Cup warm-up fixtures. A recent friendly between Saudi Arabia and Puerto Rico in Texas was stopped for nearly two hours due to repeated lightning strikes, highlighting the challenges teams may face throughout the tournament.
Former players have noted that delays can disrupt match preparation, nutrition schedules, and mental focus. Fans may also be affected, especially those watching late-night matches from overseas, where lengthy interruptions could make viewing difficult.
With the World Cup taking place during peak thunderstorm season in several host cities across the United States, weather delays are expected to remain a significant talking point throughout the tournament.
