sports
Lightning stops play: how electrical storms could disrupt the World Cup
Under US rules, even a distant strike can suspend a game – and some will take place in Florida, the thunderstorm state
TL;DR
- Lightning strikes can trigger a 30-minute suspension of World Cup games under US safety regulations.
- The safety zone for lightning detection is 10 miles (16km).
- A strike within this zone requires players to leave the pitch.
- The clock resets if lightning continues; if delays exceed an hour, rescheduling may be necessary.
- Florida, known as the lightning capital of the US, will host some games.
- June and July are peak months for thunderstorms in Florida, averaging 20 stormy days each.