Storm Threatens World Cup Clash Between the Netherlands and Tunisia

The Netherlands’ match against Tunisia, scheduled for late Thursday night into Friday in Kansas City in the final round of the World Cup group stage, is at risk of being postponed because of severe weather. Forecasts call for about a 70% chance of thunderstorms, along with heavy rain and lightning, and local authorities have issued flood warnings. The bad weather is expected to last through most of the day and into the night.

Even if rain does not force a postponement, lightning could still cause a major delay. In the United States, outdoor sporting events cannot be held if lightning is recorded within about 13 kilometers of the venue. A similar situation already affected this World Cup, when France’s match against Iraq kicked off two hours late because of torrential rain.

The Netherlands is hoping the conditions will allow the game to be played on schedule. A win over Tunisia, which is last in the group with no points, would secure first place in Group C.