Written with the help of artificial-intelligence tools and checked by automated controls.
The severe storms raging in south-western Mexico could force a postponement of the 2026 World Cup, which is to be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. In a scenario envisaged by some teams, the match between one of the Mexican national teams and England – scheduled to take place in a stadium located in a region particularly prone to severe weather – could be postponed by several hours. This possibility, raised by sports logistics experts, highlights the major challenges involved in coordinating a global event of this scale, where 48 teams, 104 matches and thousands of spectators must adapt to the vagaries of the weather.
The format of the 2026 World Cup, notably the addition of four extra teams and the extended schedule, exacerbates the constraints posed by weather conditions. In the regions where the matches will take place, spring thunderstorms are common, particularly in the evening, when storms most often develop. The organisers must anticipate these events by building in flexibility into their schedule, whilst honouring the commitments made to the participating teams and respecting the rights of television viewers. Local authorities are currently working with meteorological services to model alternative scenarios, particularly in the event of match postponements or delayed kick-offs.
The format of the 2026 World Cup, notably the addition of four extra teams and the extended schedule, exacerbates the constraints posed by weather conditions.
Storms have long been a minor concern in international tournaments, but their impact can be considerable. In Russia in 2018, for example, unexpected downpours disrupted several matches, forcing organisers to use indoor stadiums or postpone matches. In Mexico, where stadiums are often located in urban areas with flat roofs or modular structures, the risks of power cuts or difficulties in access for spectators are heightened. Teams, for their part, must adapt to these unforeseen events by adjusting their warm-ups or reorganising their travel arrangements, whilst maintaining a high level of tactical preparedness.
Coordination between organisers, national leagues and local authorities relies on tried-and-tested protocols, including the use of real-time weather apps and simulation models to predict the impact of thunderstorms. The organisers of the 2026 World Cup have also made provision for mobile emergency units, decentralised technical teams and instant communication systems to keep teams and spectators informed of any changes. These measures, whilst costly, are essential to avoid major disruptions, such as those that occurred during previous tournaments, notably in South Africa in 2010, where storms disrupted the organisation of several matches.
Finally, this situation reflects a wider trend: large-scale sporting events must now factor the climate emergency into their planning. Risks associated not only with storms but also with heatwaves and hurricanes are forcing organisers to rethink their traditional approach. For the 2026 World Cup, this means investing in weather-resistant infrastructure and strengthening transport networks to ensure the smooth flow of travel, even in the event of extreme conditions. The challenge is no longer simply to play the game, but to adapt to a world where natural disasters are becoming increasingly frequent.