Concerns about a delay in the England vs Argentina game eased with a statement released just hours before kick-off.
England’s big World Cup semi-final against Argentina might get delayed tonight because storms are likely in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thomas Tuchel’s team is trying to become only the second England group to reach a World Cup final. They’ll face Argentina, the current champions and three-time winners, at Atlanta Stadium, which used to be called Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This modern stadium hosts the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United. It has a cool retractable roof that looks like eight moving petals. When the weather turns bad, the roof closes, and there’s air conditioning that keeps both the stands and the pitch cool.
Even with the air conditioning and roof helping against the heat—expected to be around 29°C at kickoff on Wednesday, July 15—thunderstorm rules still apply, just like earlier in the tournament.
FIFA and local weather authorities say the game must stop if lightning happens within eight miles of the stadium. Fans have to leave their seats, and players must leave the pitch. After taking shelter, players get a 15-minute warm-up before the game can continue. The match can only start again once there has been no lightning for 30 minutes.
Other teams, including England, have already had to pause or delay their games due to storms. England’s round of 16 match against Mexico was delayed by an hour because of this.
Weather forecasts say there’s a 55% chance of rain in the afternoon, with “some sun and thunderstorms in spots; humid” conditions.
If storms happen near the stadium, officials will have to pause the match. However, a spokesperson said Wednesday morning: “The stadium is covered, so the match isn’t weather-dependent and will start as planned. We’ll do everything to keep fans safe, but the game won’t be delayed even if fans have trouble getting in because of the weather. The roof lets us play on time no matter the weather.”
The winner of this semi-final will meet Spain at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.