The match between Benfica and Chelsea FC, part of the 2025 Club World Cup Round of 16, was suspended with just five minutes left on the clock due to a lightning storm warning near Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The stoppage came with the English side leading 1–0, thanks to a goal from defender Reece James in the 64th minute.

Safety protocol halts play

Despite being so close to full time, players were immediately pulled from the pitch in line with U.S. safety regulations for outdoor sporting events. The rules call for an automatic suspension when lightning is detected within a certain radius of the venue.

With only a few minutes left, organizers have yet to confirm whether the match will resume from the moment it was paused or if the current score will stand. The winner of this tie is set to face Palmeiras in the quarterfinals — the Brazilian side booked their ticket after a hard-fought 1–0 win over Botafogo.

Chelsea on track for the win

Before the stoppage, Chelsea looked to be in control. They made the most of a set piece to break the deadlock, with Reece James firing home a strong finish inside the box. The Blues appeared poised to punch their ticket to the next round.

Benfica, on the other hand, never really got going. Despite a solid showing in the group stage, the Portuguese squad lacked bite in attack and struggled to break down Chelsea’s back line, leaving them with little room to mount a comeback before the interruption.