Weather threats loom over England vs Norway quarter-final
Thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain are threatening to delay England's World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against Norway in Miami. The match, scheduled for tonight, faces potential disruption after similar weather events impacted three previous tournament games.
England's last-32 win over Mexico was already pushed back by an hour due to storms. France's Group I match against Iraq in Philadelphia was halted at half-time for over two hours, and Mexico's last-32 victory over Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca also saw a one-hour kick-off delay due to lightning.
FIFA's weather protocol: No independent policy
FIFA does not have its own severe weather policy; it must adhere to regulations imposed by local authorities. In North America, these authorities enforce strict lightning safety measures. Any match is suspended if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium, with a mandatory delay of at least 30 minutes.
During a suspension, all players, coaches, and officials must leave the pitch, and fans must evacuate the stands to find safe shelter. The game may not restart until 30 consecutive minutes pass without lightning in the eight-mile radius. The clock resets each time lightning is detected.
How long can matches be delayed?
FIFA has no fixed cut-off point for postponing a match. Decisions are based on player and supporter safety, as well as pitch conditions. If a match is postponed, it would likely resume the following day from the exact point it was stopped. For example, if 65 minutes were played, teams would return to complete the remaining 25 minutes.
According to Arthur Ferridge, Sports Reporter, 'The potential for more thunderstorms and heavy rain in Mexico City has led to concerns over a possible delay to kick-off or even an in-game suspension at the Estadio Azteca.'
