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.
Portugal vs DR CongoNRG Stadium, Houston, TX; kick-off at 12pm local timeNo worries on the pitch as this game is indoors.Good thing the match will be played indoors as rain is likely in Houston today. A flood watch has been issued until 7pm. Mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thundershowers today. It will be warm and humid with a high temperature of 88F (31C). Winds will be out of the east at 5 to 15 miles per hour gusting near 25 miles per hour.England vs CroatiaAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.; kick-off at 3pm local timeAnother game that will be played indoors and that’s a good thing. It will be sunny and hot in Arlington today with a high temperature of 94F (34C).The humidity will make it feel like it’s 104F (40C). Winds will be southerly 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts near 25 miles per hour.Ghana vs PanamaBMO Field, Toronto; kick-off at 7pm local timeRain could impact this game, especially in the second half. Temperatures this afternoon will be near 70F (21C) under partly sunny skies.Clouds increase late this afternoon and by 7 pm, expect cloudy skies with a temperature of 67 F (19C). Winds will be southerly 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts near 30 miles per hour. The latest forecast computer models predict rain arriving near 8pm with rain showers off and on through the end of the match. There is a better chance for lightning after the game, but I will be monitoring the weather and providing live updates if needed.Uzbekistan vs ColombiaEstadio Azteca, Mexico City; kick-off at 8pm local timeThe weather is going to be unsettled today with showers and thundershowers likely this afternoon into this evening. High temperature today of 73 F (23C). The sun will set at 7:16 p.m. At 8 p.m. skies will be cloudy with scattered rain showers. Winds will be easterly at 5-10 miles per hour. The temperature will be near 62F (17C) during the match with the rain chance diminishing toward the second half.Jun 17, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
