The report says matches would be suspended for at least 30 minutes after nearby lightning. If another strike occurs during that window, the countdown resets, meaning a storm cell lingering near a venue could turn a routine pause into a prolonged delay.
That risk is heightened by Florida’s seasonal pattern. June and July are regarded as peak months for thunderstorms, with the report citing an average of 20 stormy days per month. A match may therefore face disruption even when the stadium itself is not under heavy rain.
The safety zone also extends beyond the darkest clouds. Lightning can travel from a nearby storm, making clear overhead conditions an unreliable signal for officials.
A lengthy suspension would affect more than the players’ preparation. Broadcast schedules, supporter travel, team recovery plans and the timing of later fixtures could all come under pressure.
If a stoppage runs beyond one hour, officials may have to consider rescheduling. That would create a serious logistical problem in a tournament built around tightly managed venues and short recovery periods between games.
The danger is not theoretical. The report recalls a fatal lightning incident involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1998, when a bolt reportedly killed an entire team. That history explains why safety protocols are applied conservatively, even at the cost of disruption.
The next major storyline will be how organisers coordinate weather monitoring, stadium evacuation procedures and fixture contingencies before the first Florida kick-off. For teams, storm delays could become part of tournament management rather than an occasional interruption.