Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Saturday, 06 June 2026, 15:55 / Updated Saturday, 06 June 2026 16:04
The friendly between Saudi Arabia and Puerto Rico, played in Austin, Texas, was interrupted for almost two hours due to a strong storm. In the USA and, implicitly, at the World Championship, this will be done in the case of meteorological events of this type.
The match, which ended in a 3-0 Saudi victory, was suspended in the 21st minute when thunderstorms and lightning were detected near the stadium. This incident serves as a warning just a few days before the start of the World Championship, scheduled for June 11.
Warm-up for the World Cup: Puerto Rico – Saudi Arabia 0-3, interrupted for two hours due to the storm
Following the strict protocol in force in the United States, the players immediately retreated to the locker room and the spectators were advised to seek shelter inside the arena. American regulations call for the suspension of any sporting event whenever a thunderstorm is detected within 13 kilometers of the stadium. This procedure was already applied at last year's Club World Championship.
The rule states that after lightning is detected, the game is stopped, the crowd is evacuated from the stands and a 30-minute countdown begins. The match can only be resumed if no new storm episodes occur during that period. Otherwise, the timer returns to zero, according to abola.pt.
The match was interrupted at the score of 0-0. After the break caused by the storm, the players returned to the field and Mandash opened the scoring in the 45+1 minute. In the second half, Al Hamdan made it 2-0 in the 50th minute and Al Dawsari set the final score in the 88th minute.
The United States National Weather Service even recommends that, in the event of a risk, consider canceling, postponing or, if possible, holding the event with the stadium roof down. Weather conditions could affect the schedule, with possible schedule adjustments, temporary disruptions and extended breaks.
