Weather Challenges at World Cup Matches in the U.S.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Norway faced off against Senegal at MetLife Stadium despite earlier heavy rain. In contrast, France’s match with Iraq in Philadelphia suffered a 2-hour, 10-minute suspension due to thunderstorms. The U.S. National Weather Service had previously issued a flood watch for areas including Bergen County, New Jersey, where the stadium stands.

Before the 8 p.m. kickoff, standing water was evident on roads leading to the venue. However, rain ceased before the football action commenced. The NWS had cautioned about potential flash flooding due to showers capable of inflicting rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour over urban areas.

Intriguingly, World Cup regulations don’t specify delays or interruptions for adverse weather. FIFA stated it will closely track weather conditions and activate contingency plans when necessary, working alongside local authorities and experts.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged fans to begin their journey early to avoid the adverse weather’s surprises. “Don’t underestimate the weather,” he advised, noting the possibility of severe storms and strong winds.

New York City’s Emergency Management released a travel advisory, emphasizing safety and advising against taking unnecessary risks. MetLife Stadium, with a seating capacity of 80,000, is an open-air venue in the New Jersey marshlands.

Last year’s Club World Cup witnessed six matches delayed due to weather, totaling over eight hours. Recent friendlies also faced disruptions; England versus Costa Rica was delayed by an hour in Orlando, and Saudi Arabia’s game against Puerto Rico experienced a 90-minute pause due to a storm in Austin.

World Cup rules allow for matches to resume from the minute of interruption rather than replaying from scratch, maintaining the same scoreline. Matches can resume with specific restarts such as a free kick or throw-in, depending on when the disruption occurs. FIFA retains the authority to cancel, reschedule, or relocate matches based on significant concerns, including extreme weather conditions.

Jennifer Peltz from New York contributed additional information to this report.