The widely used 30-30 rule gives officials a practical warning: if thunder follows a lightning flash within 30 seconds, the storm is close enough for play to stop. Players, coaches and officials should leave the field for shelter. The 30-minute wait begins after the last thunder or lightning, with new activity restarting the countdown.
That can leave teams cooling down in dressing rooms while referees and safety staff monitor conditions. Deschamps reportedly joked that his squad “jogou cartas” during one stoppage - played cards - while Mbappe described the wait as draining.
The report points to delays at other high-profile games, including France-Iraq and Mexico-Ecuador, as well as a prolonged interruption during Chelsea-Benfica. Such pauses can disrupt warm-ups, momentum and concentration, but a restart should depend on conditions being safe, not on pressure to finish the fixture.
Precautions extend beyond the touchline. Spectators should move away from open areas and seek enclosed shelter; where that is not available, stands may need to be cleared. Stadiums also need clear communication so fans know where to go and when it is safe to return.
The next storm-hit fixture will test those plans again. Clubs and organisers should make sure players, officials and supporters know the procedure before the first flash appears.