Storm delays expected at FIFA World Cup 2026 after weather plays spoilsport during Club World Cup

The much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Lionel Messi and his Argentina team will defend their title, is just a year away. However, concerns have emerged regarding possible weather disruptions after several matches in the ongoing Club World Cup were delayed due to storms and extreme heat across the United States.

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Since the announcement of the venues, several concerns have been raised, including pitch quality and travel restrictions imposed by Donald Trump. The weather in the USA has now become the latest problem, with travelling teams finding the conditions harsh.

The latest match at the Club World Cup to be impacted by weather is Chelsea’s Round of 16 clash against Benfica, which had to be stopped with only five minutes remaining due to bad weather. It was the sixth match in the tournament to be hit by bad weather conditions. In some cases, the delays have lasted up to two hours.

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Fans, players, and team officials have expressed concerns over the extreme conditions, especially heat waves in places like Los Angeles, where temperatures went over 40 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, thunderstorms have also become an issue in cities like Orlando, Charlotte, and New Jersey.

FIFA World Cup may face similar weather issues

According to The Athletic, similar conditions are expected next year during the FIFA World Cup. The report cited Ben Schott, a top official from the National Weather Service (NWS), as saying that heat waves and storms are normal during summers in the United States and could repeat next year.

“What you’re seeing right now is very typical. This is not unusual at all. Next year, we may be going through the same thing,” Schott said. NWS is working with FIFA as part of their weather safety planning for next year’s World Cup and Schott is part of the team.

“This time of year, especially east of the Rockies, we see thunderstorm development quite frequently. Especially in the northern half of the U.S., (from) Cincinnati all the way east to New York. It’s not unusual this time of year to have cold fronts coming through, producing thunderstorms that are going to come through with each cold front. That can come through every three to five, seven days,” Schott added.

On the other hand, the ongoing weather issues at the Club World Cup could also be good news for FIFA as they will be able to prepare for next year’s mega event. The Club World Cup was expanded to 32 teams this year, but due to the delays and other problems, fans have not had the best experience so far.