The 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing challenges beyond the pitch, with extreme heat and thunderstorms emerging as major concerns across North America.
According to meteorologist Aaron Mentkowski of The Athletic, Sunday’s Group H encounter between Uruguay and Cape Verde in Miami could be significantly affected by severe weather conditions.
60 per cent chance of thunderstorms in Miami
The match at Hard Rock Stadium is set to kick off at 6pm local time, but weather forecasts suggest fans and organisers should be prepared for possible disruptions.
Miami is expected to experience a typical June day, beginning with sunshine before temperatures and humidity rise sharply throughout the afternoon. Thunderstorms are forecast to develop around 3pm local time.
By kick-off, temperatures are expected to remain at an uncomfortable 90°F (32°C), with mostly cloudy skies and a 60 per cent chance of thunderstorms.
Supporters attending the match have been advised to stay hydrated due to the combination of heat and humidity.
Lightning protocol could halt play
Under the United States’ thunderstorm safety regulations, any detection of lightning or electrical activity within an eight-mile radius of the stadium automatically triggers a suspension of play.
Once activated, a 30-minute countdown begins. However, if another lightning strike is detected before the countdown expires, the clock resets and the delay continues.
The protocol has already caused significant disruptions at major football events. Last summer, Chelsea’s Club World Cup match against Benfica in Charlotte was delayed multiple times by lightning, ultimately taking four hours and 38 minutes to be completed.
Other World Cup matches expected to avoid weather issues
Fortunately, Sunday’s other fixtures are not expected to face similar complications.
- Spain vs Saudi Arabia at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be played indoors, with temperatures around 80°F (27°C) at kick-off.
- Belgium vs Iran at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is also under a roof, with partly cloudy conditions and temperatures near 70°F (21°C).
- New Zealand vs Egypt at Vancouver’s BC Place will take place indoors as well, while fans attending pre-match festivities can expect pleasant weather and temperatures around 75°F (24°C).
As the World Cup unfolds across the United States, Canada and Mexico, unpredictable weather continues to pose one of the tournament’s biggest off-field challenges, testing organisers, players and supporters alike.