Weather could disrupt the 2026 World Cup

Six days before the 2026 World Cup kickoff, weather conditions could cause match interruptions. According to The Athletic, if lightning is detected within 8 miles (13 km) of a stadium, matches must be suspended immediately. A 30-minute wait is required after each strike, potentially leading to hours-long delays. This strict US safety rule may affect the tournament, especially in areas prone to summer thunderstorms.