England's World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms in Orlando, Florida, offering an early sign of potential disruptions during the 2026 tournament. The game, scheduled for 21:00 BST, started at 22:00 BST after lightning was detected within eight miles of Inter&Co Stadium, triggering a mandatory 30-minute safety countdown that resets with each new strike. Fans were evacuated to concourses, and players waited in the locker room, reflecting growing concerns about weather impacts during the summer tournament across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA follows local safety guidelines from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), meaning it cannot override weather-related suspensions. This system was tested during the 2025 Club World Cup, where six matches were interrupted, including Chelsea’s game against Benfica, which took nearly five hours to complete after multiple delays. Players struggled to maintain focus and physical readiness during long stoppages, with then-coach Enzo Maresca calling the situation "a joke" and questioning the suitability of the host region.

Former players like Rachel Corsie and Steph Houghton have echoed concerns about how storms could disrupt game rhythm and mental preparation. While England’s group stage kick-offs at 21:00 and 22:00 BST may limit viewer disruption in the UK, earlier matches like Scotland vs. Haiti at 02:00 BST could be missed entirely if delayed. As the 2026 World Cup unfolds during peak thunderstorm season, repeated weather interruptions are expected, challenging both fan experience and team performance.