The FIFA Club World Cup has come up against an unexpected factor that has generated multiple complaints: the U.S. thunderstorm protocol. This regulation, in force throughout the United States, has already led to the temporary suspension of up to seven matches so far in the tournament, and the most important thing is that FIFA cannot intervene to modify it.

This is a state regulation that is above any international body, including FIFA, so it cannot be eliminated even with a view to the 2026 World Cup.

One of the most notorious cases occurred last Saturday, when the match between Chelsea and Benfica was interrupted for almost two hours. After the match, coach Enzo Maresca described the situation as “a joke”. He did not criticize the precautionary measures per se, but rather the fact that the United States was chosen as the venue, despite the fact that at this time of the year weather phenomena such as thunderstorms are frequent.

What does the protocol establish?

According to the regulations, if lightning or signs of electrical discharge are detected within a radius of 13 kilometers (8 miles), the match is automatically suspended. The stadium is evacuated and the players take shelter in the locker room. Thereafter, a 30-minute countdown is activated without any lightning or thunder. If a new one occurs, the clock resets to zero.

Is there a possibility of modifying it?

The answer is clear: no. This regulation is part of a state security protocol and cannot be revoked by FIFA. Its elimination would require an agreement with the U.S. government, which seems unlikely in the short term.

In addition, this same protocol is applied in other major competitions in the country, such as the NFL, MLS and even in college sports. And if we look at other global disciplines, such as tennis (Wimbledon, Roland Garros) or Formula 1, there are also strict protocols for adverse weather conditions.

Therefore, everything indicates that these regulations will remain in force during the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada.