World Cup 2026: Saudi Arabia’s game in Texas was stopped for almost two hours due to bad weather

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup warm-up match against Puerto Rico in Texas was halted for nearly two hours due to bad weather.

The match at Austin’s Q2 Stadium was halted in the 21st minute as thunder and lightning forced players off the pitch, with messages telling fans to seek shelter.

There were several lightning strikes before the match finally resumed, with Saudi Arabia winning 3–0.

The 2026 World Cup, which is being held across Canada, Mexico and the United States, will begin on June 11.

It is taking place at the peak of lightning season in several host cities, and if a lightning strike is detected within eight miles of a stadium, the game will be called off.

A mandatory 30-minute countdown then begins and, whenever a thunderstorm occurs within range, the countdown clock is reset to 30 minutes.

Although Q2 Stadium will not host any matches during the World Cup, two stadiums in Texas will be used during the tournament.

Houston Stadium will host seven matches, while Dallas Stadium will host nine matches, including England’s group game against Croatia.

Last year the Club World Cup was held in the United States And Chelsea’s last 16 tie against Benfica Charlotte lasted four hours and 39 minutes as it was one of several games postponed due to seasonal summer thunderstorms.

Heat is expected to be a problem at the World Cup as well. With caveats to researchers Temperatures could exceed dangerous levels in 14 of the 16 stadiums used.

Saudi Arabia will play their final warm-up match against Senegal on Wednesday before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Uruguay at the Miami Stadium on June 15.

They have Group H games against Spain in Atlanta on June 21 and Cape Verde in Houston on June 27.