This World Cup is going to be hot and at times stormy, with a sizeable chunk of its 104 games set to be played above 90F (32C).Spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, it is likely to be the warmest edition since the last time the tournament was held in North America, when the U.S. hosted it solo in 1994.While extreme heat and humidity will affect how matches are played, thunderstorms could provide the greater logistical challenge.Under the thunderstorm protocol in place in the United States, a match must be suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium involved.Once that happens, a 30-minute countdown begins — and resets if another strike is detected before it ends. Last summer, for example, Chelsea’s Club World Cup game against Benfica in Charlotte, North Carolina, took four hours and 38 minutes to complete after repeated lightning delays.To give an understanding of which games will be most affected, The Athletic is working with Aaron Mentkowski, chief meteorologist for WKBW-TV Buffalo, to provide a daily forecast. Aaron will join live coverage to explain what’s happening during storm delays.
Germany vs CuracaoNRG Stadium, Houston. Kick-off: at 12pm local timeThe heat and humidity will be intense as you make your way to the game. At 12pm in Houston the temperature will be 88F (31C) with a 30 per cent thunderstorm chance but the stadium has a roof. In the local area, the humidity will make it feel like it’s 100F (38C). Similar conditions as you exit the game with 2pm, with the temperature near 90F (32C) with the storm chance increasing.Netherlands v JapanAT&T Stadium, Arlington. Kick-off: 3pm local timeThere is a very high chance for rain and thunderstorms today, so again it is good news that this stadium also has a roof. It will be warm and humid as you make your way into the game, with 3pm temperatures near 85F (29C).Skies will be mostly cloudy with scattered storms which could lead to some heavy rain at times. Expect similar conditions at 5pm after the game.Ivory Coast v EcuadorLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Kick-off: 7pm local timeThe third match of the day is Ivory Coast vs Ecuador starting at 7 pm in Philadelphia, PA.The weather for this match will need to be monitored closely. The day will start off sunny and warm up quickly with a 12pm temperature of 88F (31C). Clouds will increase with showers and storms developing later today.The timing of the storms could certainly impact the match; especially the second half with computer models currently predicting them to strike around 9pm. These storms could be severe with damaging winds the main storm threat, heavy rain and frequent lightning also possible. I will be monitoring the situation with live blog updates.Sweden v TunisiaEstadio BBVA, Guadalupe. Kick-off 8pm local timeA warm and humid day in Monterrey with scattered showers and high temperatures near 85F (29C). The sun will set at 7:33pm and temperatures will cool to near 80F (27C) for the start of the game at 8pm. During the match skies will be mostly cloudy with a brief shower possible in the first half and a low threat of a storm.Jun 14, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
