By Jokanola Bolaji
Games now play for two days may be the new order for the FIFA World Cup. This is the new tradition in the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup. Football managers are furious, players laugh it off, and the fans are growing tired of following a game for up to five hours, El Pais in Mexico observed.
The Club World Cup match between Chelsea and Benfica in Charlotte, USA, last night was a pure test of tolerance, perseverance, and flexibility for both teams as they experienced something different.
It was all going fine as Chelsea had a slim 1-0 lead five minutes from the end of regular time, then the game was abruptly stopped by a strong lightning storm in the area caused by adverse weather condition.
Players were led off the pitch and fans were instructed to seek shelter in accordance with the U.S. safety protocols, per ESPN. Then there was an abrupt silence for nearly two hours.
The match was one of the longest in Club World Cup history, lasting almost four hours and forty minutes from kickoff to the final whistle as a result of the delay.
Benfica quickly took advantage of the reset momentum when play eventually resumed. The game came back to life and extra time was forced when Angel Di María stepped up to convert a penalty that levelled the score.
Chelsea, however, responded with a flurry of goals in extra time, winning 4-1, a final score that was not a true reflection of the cagey game.
Despite the victory, Chelsea’s Coach Enzo Maresca was open about his frustration. Speaking after the game, he complained how the prolonged pause changed the game’s tempo and fairness, calling it “not football” and its effects on the match, on a post match interview with as reported by The Guardian.
He explained that teams cannot prepare for such unpredictability and that lengthy disruptions are not common in top football.
During the press conference after the game, he stated, “It’s probably not the right place to do this competition.”
Further checks show that the match between Chelsea and Benfica is not an isolated incident.
Indeed, it was at least the sixth weather-related suspension of a match at the FIFA Club World Cup, which is currently taking place in a number of American Cities this summer, as observed on F.
Palmeiras’ game against Al Ahly in New Jersey earlier in the tournament was stopped in the middle of the second half. Thunderclouds forced fans to leave open areas, and the game didn’t start for more than half an hour. Fans were visibly frustrated with videos published by Talksports.
Play resumed almost an hour and a half after the break ended another match between RB Salzburg and Pachuca in Cincinnati. While both Coaches frantically reworked tactics on the spot, players had to rewarm up.
Around the 55th minute of Nashville’s Boca Juniors vs. Auckland City game, there was a lightning delay. There were several disruptions in Orlando, another host City.
Lightning suspensions occurred during kickoff and shortly after halftime for Benfica vs. Auckland City and Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Ulsan Hyundai. And this is fast becoming an issue CBS Sports with many complaints via CBS Sports reports.
Any lightning detected within 12km of a stadium automatically causes a minimum 30-minute delay, per U.S. safety regulations, as outlined by the U.S. Soccer Federation.If storms persist, the delay may last indefinitely because this count is reset with each new strike.
Though they are required, these stringent safety regulations present a big obstacle for a football competition like the FIFA Club World Cup, which is underway. Suspensions like this impact fan experience, match flow, team preparation, and even TV schedules.
One person who was taken aback by the delays was Abel Ferreira, the Coach of Palmeiras. During one lengthy delay in New Jersey, he acknowledged making impromptu substitutions just to keep players warm and motivated.
The concern is whether summer football in the US is sustainable on a global scale given its erratic weather patterns. This Club World Cup, the first of its kind which ought to have been a spectacle has instead turned into a logistical puzzle.
The U.S. has excellent infrastructure, but it should be noted that thunderstorms are a common occurrence during the US summer months, especially in the southern and eastern regions (such as Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee), according to the National Weather Service in the US.
Growing worries were exacerbated by the matchday chaos in Charlotte. Maresca’s remarks mirrored those of other coaches and analysts who worry that the competition’s fairness and consistency are being jeopardized.
With games lasting into the morning and players clearly worn out, even viewers and commentators are starting to show signs of discomfort.
The issue now involves fairness, health, and performance integrity rather than just the weather.
With good reason, FIFA have emphasised that safety is still the top priority, according to an official FIFA statement shared by Reuters. However, when six important matches in a single tournament are postponed due to bad weather, the problem becomes systemic instead of circumstantial.
Now, there is a big question to be asked, as the World Cup’s legitimacy is reliant not only on on-field factors but also consistent match conditions.
More preparation and thought might be required if this Club World Cup serves as a sneak peek at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Retractable stadiums, improved scheduling, or even host city reconsideration based on past weather data are possible alternatives.
Given the huge financial and international stakes, the frequent disruptions bring a more extensive discussion. Does the uncertainty of the environment outweigh the advantages of hosting?
The drama from last night was entertaining, it also revealed more serious flaws in the preparation and foresight. But, the goal of the Club World Cup is to establish a benchmark for international competition, but instead of football genius, lightning bolts are defining it.
Therefore, the big question now hangs in the balance over the beautiful game: is the US really the best place to host international football competitions during its stormy summer months?
Leave a Reply