England's World Cup matches could face significant delays due to thunderstorms, as FIFA is reportedly reluctant to rearrange fixtures. The Three Lions have arrived in the United States and are training in West Palm Beach, Florida, to prepare for their campaign.
Thomas Tuchel's squad will be based in Kansas City ahead of Group L fixtures: against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, Ghana in Boston on June 23, and Panama in New Jersey on June 27. The team is aware of the potential dangers posed by extreme weather, having witnessed the impact on last year's Club World Cup.
In the event of a thunderstorm, FIFA would delay matches rather than postpone and rearrange, due to logistical pressures. England's games against Ghana and Panama kick off in the late afternoon on the east coast, increasing the likelihood of thunder and lightning. Last summer, Chelsea's Club World Cup match in Charlotte was delayed for nearly two hours due to lightning, with the game lasting four hours and 38 minutes.
FIFA has stated that climate-related risks are assessed as part of overall tournament planning, with dedicated meteorological support and emergency preparedness teams in place. Stadiums are required to maintain robust risk management and evacuation procedures for severe weather.
Extreme heat is also a concern. FIFA has introduced three-minute drinks breaks in each half and avoids scheduling matches at peak heat. Tuchel has implemented cooling strategies and is monitoring players' reactions to heat and humidity, with help from Team GB and specialists.
