Saudi Arabia-Uruguay Match Could Be Delayed by Lightning in Florida
The World Cup match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 a.m. in Florida, but lightning storms forecast for the area could force a delay or suspension. If that happens, it would be the first time in this tournament that weather disrupts the schedule.
The article notes that similar interruptions occurred at last summer’s Club World Cup, when six matches were delayed or stopped. FIFA’s safety protocol is strict: if lightning is detected within about 8 miles, or 13 kilometers, of the stadium, play is stopped immediately, players go to the locker rooms, and spectators are sent to protected areas.
After that, a 30-minute countdown begins. If another bolt is detected during that window, the clock resets and starts again. The game can resume only after 30 straight minutes without lightning in the area.
FIFA does not set a maximum time after which a match must be canceled, so delays can last an hour, two hours, or more. In extreme cases, the match can be moved to another date.
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