A lengthy disruption due to weather during Saudi Arabia’s World Cup warm-up against Puerto Rico has raised new concerns about the potential impact of thunderstorms on the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in the United States.
The international friendly at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, was abandoned in the 21st minute after lightning strikes were detected near the venue, forcing players to leave the pitch and spectators to seek cover.
The game remained at a standstill for nearly two hours before the game finally resumed, with Saudi Arabia securing a 3-0 victory.
The threat of weather occurs before the start of the tournament
The incident happened just a few days before the start of the World Cup, which will be jointly organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico on June 11.
Several host cities in the United States are currently entering peak thunderstorm season, increasing the possibility of severe weather during the tournament.
According to competition safety regulations, any lightning strike detected within eight miles of the stadium results in an immediate suspension of play. A mandatory 30-minute countdown is then triggered, but the timer is reset each time a new lightning strike occurs within the designated radius.
Repeated lightning strikes in Austin led to an extended delay, underscoring the challenge organizers could face during the month-long event.
Texas among key World Cup host locations
Although the Q2 Stadium in Austin is not scheduled to host World Cup matches, Texas will play a major role in the tournament.
Houston is scheduled to play seven games, while Dallas will host nine games, including England’s match against Croatia in the group stage.
Both venues have retractable roofs, which could help reduce disruption from storms, although organizers will still need to follow lightning protection protocols.
Weather concerns are nothing new at soccer events in the United States. During last year’s Club World Cup, several matches experienced long delays due to seasonal thunderstorms. Chelsea’s round of 16 clash against Benfica in Charlotte was among the most affected, lasting more than four hours after repeated stoppages.
As well as the storms, experts have warned that extreme heat could also pose challenges during the World Cup, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could reach potentially dangerous levels in several host venues.
A friendly between Saudi Arabia and Puerto Rico has now provided an early reminder of the weather-related issues that could affect matches once the tournament gets underway.
