BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM, CHARLOTTE — The encounter between Chelsea and Benfica in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was nearing its end.
Reece James scored from a free-kick, putting the Premier League team ahead 1-0 with little time left. Benfica struggled to mount a response and was running out of chances.
Suddenly, in the 87th minute, a storm descended on the area, interrupting the match.
The Sporting News is providing updates regarding the weather delay at Bank of America Stadium, as both teams await the opportunity to resume play.
Chelsea v Benfica at the FIFA Club World Cup is now approaching 3hr 30mins since kickoff – giving it a similar runtime to Ben-Hur (1958, 212mins) and Lawrence of Arabia (1963, 216 mins). Wimbledon finals have been wrapped up in much less time pic.twitter.com/YgCKfn5pHn
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) June 28, 2025
What caused the delay in the Chelsea vs. Benfica match?
A storm system near Bank of America Stadium led to the postponement of the match.
As fans were directed to their safe zones under the concourse, the referee suspended the game and instructed the players to exit the field.
Given the open-air nature of the venue, lightning poses a serious threat, prompting FIFA to enforce strict safety protocols.
Meanwhile, in the dressing room. pic.twitter.com/UZPsVkNvHr
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 28, 2025
When will the match between Chelsea and Benfica continue?
7:47 p.m. ET: Play is officially back on! The delay lasted 1 hour and 53 minutes, and the game clock shows 86:01.
7:44 p.m. ET: The players have returned for a warmup as fans are allowed back into their seats. Kudos to those who remained throughout the wait!
Players out after 1hr 45 minutes delay. Fans coming back in. Impressive number have stayed on given how long they’ve been waiting. pic.twitter.com/qno5jTrPdV
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) June 28, 2025
7:38 p.m. ET: The match is set to resume shortly. A storm system is approaching from the south, threatening further delays; hence, FIFA has urged the teams to get back on the field quickly to wrap things up.
The players have consented to a shortened 7-minute warmup to try and complete the game before additional adverse weather arrives.
#ChelseaFC vs. Benfica update:
Currently, the skies are clear, but a weather front is moving in from the south. We could have a brief window to finish the match before it becomes a problem again.
It seems they’re eager to get going as soon as possible… pic.twitter.com/UjKAXyxcnv
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) June 28, 2025
7:20 p.m. ET: Concerns regarding weather disruptions at the Club World Cup are rising, as this marks the fourth delay due to weather in the tournament and we’re only in the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s flight remains grounded in Miami due to similar weather conditions.
7:00 p.m. ET: A stroll through the concourses reveals that many fans have chosen to stay at the venue, awaiting the match’s restart. It’s quite surprising considering how little gameplay is left. Well done to the loyal supporters in Charlotte!
6:22 p.m. ET: A lightning strike has occurred, and the clock has restarted. We continue to wait, and the restart is once again postponed.
6:15 p.m. ET: Hope for a quick resumption appears as we approach the 30-minute mark for clearing to return to the field. Players may be back on the pitch by 6:25, with a potential restart at 6:45.
5:54 p.m. ET: The delay is underway, as the referee has ordered players off the field and directed fans to take shelter in the concourses.
What are the rules regarding weather delays at the FIFA Club World Cup?
According to FIFA regulations, players cannot resume play until 30 minutes have passed without any lighting striking within a 10-mile radius of the stadium.
If lightning is reported in that area, the timer resets.
After that, players will require a 15-minute warmup period to ensure their safety before returning to play, as jumping back into an intense match under such conditions could lead to injuries.