World Cup 2026: Storms and the risk of lightning and flooding threaten Norway vs. Senegal clash

The match between Norway and Senegal, scheduled for 8 pm (local time) this Monday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, may be affected by the weather conditions forecast for the region.

The match, which is the second round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup for the group, takes place precisely during the period covered by an alert issued by the United States National Weather Service. The Brazilian team, which is training in Morristown, New Jersey, has already trained on Monday morning and was not affected.

The agency placed parts of New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area under Flood Watch between the afternoon and late evening, citing the possibility of heavy rain, storms, and lightning.

The forecast indicates downpours capable of producing up to 50 millimeters of rain per hour, with total accumulations between 25 and 50 millimeters, potentially reaching 75 millimeters in isolated areas.

More than the rain, the main reason for concern is the possibility of lightning near the stadium. In competitions organized by FIFA in the United States, safety protocols dictate the interruption or postponement of matches when there is electrical activity considered dangerous to athletes, staff, and fans.

The weather alert covers Hudson County, where MetLife Stadium is located, and remains in effect precisely during the time when thousands of fans will be traveling to the game and filling the stands.

As of now, there have been no official changes to the match schedule.

It is expected that FIFA and local authorities will monitor the weather conditions throughout the day. If the forecasts are correct, the match between Norway and Senegal could become another test for the weather protocols of the World Cup being held in the United States.