Thunderstorms halt World Cup 2026 match in Texas for 118 minutes

DALLAS — A World Cup 2026 group-stage match scheduled for Saturday evening at AT&T Stadium was suspended for 118 minutes after severe thunderstorms rolled across North Texas, forcing players and officials to evacuate the field. The contest, between Saudi Arabia and an undetermined opponent, was paused at 8:37 p.m. local time as lightning detectors triggered automatic safety protocols. Referees did not resume play until 10:35 p.m., after radar indicated the storm cell had passed and ground conditions were deemed safe.

The game eventually restarted, but the interruption exposed vulnerabilities in the tournament’s preparedness for extreme weather, especially as outdoor venues prepare to host matches through June and July heat and sudden storms. Organizers confirmed the delay did not involve a change in the starting lineups, and full match duration was restored by extending stoppage time. Fans inside the stadium—where temperatures hovered near 38°C—were asked to remain seated during the hiatus.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service recorded wind gusts up to 80 km/h and at least three confirmed lightning strikes within a three-mile radius of the stadium during the storm. While no structural damage was reported, the incident prompted a review of emergency protocols by FIFA and local emergency services. Tournament director Carlos Cordeiro stated that contingency plans were activated “within minutes,” but acknowledged that the delay highlighted the need for real-time weather monitoring at scale.

This marks the second weather-related disruption at a 2026 World Cup venue in as many months. Earlier, a training session in Montreal was canceled due to extreme heat, with organizers citing humidex values above 45°C. Such incidents are forcing a re-evaluation of how the tournament, spread across 16 cities in three countries, will manage climate risks during the hottest months on record.

FIFA has not yet named the opponent facing Saudi Arabia, but both teams are scheduled to play again in Houston next Tuesday. The match was originally set to kick off at 6 p.m., but was delayed by 30 minutes to avoid the worst heat of the day. Kickoff finally occurred at 10:45 p.m., making it one of the latest starts in modern World Cup history.

Spectators reported frustration over the late start, with some leaving early due to the delay. Social media videos showed fans sheltering under concourse walkways as rain pelted the stadium roof. Organizers distributed bottled water and activated misting stations in response. The match concluded 1-1 after extra time, with goals from Salem Al-Dawsari for Saudi Arabia and an own goal in the 119th minute.