Extreme Weather Casts Shadow Over 2026 FIFA World Cup Preparations

 Extreme Weather Casts Shadow Over 2026 FIFA World Cup Preparations

Charlotte, North Carolina: A recent match at the ongoing Club World Cup has brought to light a growing concern for next year’s FIFA World Cup in the US: the increasing threat of extreme weather. A round-of-16 clash between Chelsea and Benfica at the Bank of America Stadium was abruptly halted in the dying minutes due to a sudden and severe thunderstorm, underlining the unpredictability that could affect the 2026 tournament.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic stopped play with just five minutes and stoppage time left on the clock. Chelsea, who were holding onto a narrow 1-0 lead, protested the decision, arguing that they were well-accustomed to braving the elements in the English Premier League. But the referee stood firm, pointing to the sky where ominous clouds were rolling in, signalling a high-grade thunderstorm was imminent.

Within moments, the stadium's digital boards flashed an urgent warning: “Seek cover protocol. Severe weather in the area. Seek cover.” Both sets of players and fans reluctantly moved indoors as lightning lit up the Charlotte sky.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Weather disruptions have already caused multiple delays in the tournament, raising red flags about the conditions athletes and fans may face during the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Meteorologists have warned that the combination of summer thunderstorms in the American South and scorching heat waves in other parts of the country could pose significant challenges. Organisers are now under pressure to reinforce safety protocols, review kickoff times, and consider climate-adaptive measures.

With the world’s biggest football spectacle just a year away, questions are mounting about how well the hosts are prepared to manage the impact of increasingly volatile weather.