Bad weather suspends another World Cup game; understand FIFA protocol

Bad weather affected another match of the 2026 World Cup. This time, between Mexico and Ecuador, in the 16th round, and before the ball even rolled. Currently, the expected delay is 1 hour. The match was scheduled to start at 10pm (Brasília time), in a match that will define another person classified in the round of 16 of the competition.

This is the second time that delays due to adverse weather conditions have occurred in this edition. The match between France and Norway, on Monday (22), in the second round of group I, was suspended for around two hours.

Alert in France x Norway
A warning of lightning in the surrounding area was given on the screens at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium, in Philadelphia, as soon as the teams went to the half-time break, when France was leading 1-0, with a goal from Mbappé.

The problem was recurring in the 2025 Club World Cup, also hosted in the United States. But it still raises doubts among viewers.

Understand the protocol for lightning storms
The FIFA protocol for lightning determines the immediate interruption of the match if there is an incident of electrical discharges within a radius of 13 to 16 kilometers from the stadium, suspending the game for at least 30 minutes.

In article 35 of the regulations, which addresses the rules of the game, FIFA explains that stoppages must take place at any sign of extreme weather. Decisions, therefore, remain in the hands of arbitration, following the laws of the medical committee.

The entity does not specify any type of deadline for the return of matches.

"Extreme weather conditions may justify the implementation of cooling breaks during the match in accordance with protocols established by the FIFA Medical Committee and/or documented in the FIFA Football Emergency Medicine Manual. Such breaks will be considered on a match-by-match basis. Responsibility for implementing and controlling cooling breaks rests with the referee"

What is the procedure for fans?
In cases of suspended matches, fans should not leave the stadium, as tickets were validated on first access.

The public, guided by the stadium staff, just needs to leave the stands. The recommendation is that people seek shelter in the access corridors, where the shops, bars, etc. are located.

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Source: CNN