Weather tracker: heat, humidity and thunderstorms pose risk to World Cup

With matches in 16 cities across the US, Mexico and Canada, players and fans face an array of weather-related challenges

With the 2026 World Cup now under way, all 48 teams face a common opposition: summer weather across North America. Matches will be played in 16 cities, from southern Mexico to Canada, with a range of weather risks possible at each venue.

Thunderstorms have already disrupted play before the tournament has even begun. England’s warm-up against Costa Rica in Orlando was delayed by around an hour after storms brought lightning and heavy rain that waterlogged the pitch. Safety regulations at US venues mean play is suspended when lightening is recorded within roughly eight miles of a stadium, not resuming until 30 minutes after the last strike.
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