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

Norway’s World Cup match against Senegal went ahead as planned at MetLife Stadium despite earlier heavy rain. Meanwhile, France’s match against Iraq in Philadelphia faced a 2-hour, 10-minute delay due to thunderstorms.

The U.S. National Weather Service issued a flood watch for areas including Bergen County, where MetLife Stadium is situated. Though roads near the stadium had standing water before the 8 p.m. kickoff, rain had ceased by game time. The NWS warned of possible flash flooding from showers expected to drop up to 2 inches of rain per hour.

FIFA stated that while weather conditions for delaying or interrupting games are not covered in the World Cup regulations, the organization would monitor weather conditions closely. They asserted their readiness to implement contingency plans if needed, maintaining cooperation with local authorities and medical experts.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani advised ticket holders to head to the stadium well in advance. He emphasized not to underestimate severe thunderstorms and strong winds, and New York City’s Emergency Management issued travel advisories.

The stadium, opened in 2010, accommodates about 80,000 people and is built over steel pilings in New Jersey marshlands. Weather has previously affected events; last year’s Club World Cup saw delays totaling over 8 hours across six matches.

Recent examples include a delay of England’s friendly against Costa Rica and a break in the Saudi Arabia vs. Puerto Rico match due to storms. World Cup rules specify that abandoned matches, due to unavoidable circumstances, should restart from the stoppage moment with the same score.

FIFA retains discretion to cancel, reschedule, or move matches due to severe conditions or safety concerns, as per their regulations.